New York, Jan 10, 2026, 05:29 EST — Market closed
- Shares of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals surged over 100% on Friday, ending the day at $19.16
- The stock moved sharply, ranging from $9.69 up to $19.95, on roughly 10 million shares changing hands
- Traders enter Monday focused on potential dilution signals and the U.S. CPI report due Jan. 13
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Inc (NBY) shares surged 102.5% on Friday, closing at $19.16 after swinging between $9.69 and $19.95 during the session. Roughly 10 million shares traded, pushing the stock to a new 52-week high. 1
This move is significant because such rapid shifts can draw in momentum traders—and then reverse just as quickly. NovaBay trades thinly and has undergone restructuring through asset sales and financing, making its price more reactive to trading flows than to daily operational news.
An October regulatory filing revealed the company sold roughly $6 million in pre-funded warrants—a type of prepaid option allowing holders to buy shares later at a minimal exercise price. These warrants could be exercised after Jan. 1, 2026, pending stockholder approval. The filing also noted the transactions triggered a change of control, with shareholders approving the board’s authority to execute a reverse stock split, a move that cuts the share count and mechanically boosts the per-share price.
NovaBay disclosed in its annual report that it finalized the sale of its Avenova eyecare assets in January 2025 for $11.5 million. These assets accounted for nearly all of the company’s revenue-generating and operating holdings. 2
Earlier, NovaBay announced a $6 million securities purchase deal with investor David E. Lazar, who stepped in as chief executive simultaneously. Lazar expressed eagerness to “actively exploring strategic opportunities” aimed at boosting value. Meanwhile, former executive Justin Hall highlighted Lazar’s “reverse merger expertise.”
Friday’s tape ended with the stock poised to gap up or down. The key level to watch is around $10, following a broad intraday swing. A decisive move through that price could shape how the first hour on Monday unfolds.
The Nasdaq Biotechnology Index closed flat on Friday, showing little support from the wider sector. This highlighted that NovaBay’s jump was largely an isolated move.
The risk here is simple: it can fade fast. Any filing hinting at new share issuance or a reverse split can quickly shift the supply-demand balance. Small stocks often penalize late buyers once volume thins out.
