Three Stocks Under $10 With Catalysts Worth Watching in October

Finding a stock below $10 is easy. Finding one with a credible reason to attract buyers soon requires more work. Opus Genetics, POET Technologies, and INOVIO Pharmaceuticals offer three different opportunities: an approaching eye-care drug decision, progress toward commercial AI infrastructure shipments, and a consequential regulatory deadline.

All three had reported October 2 closing quotes below $10. This watchlist focuses on the next two to four weeks, emphasizing identifiable developments rather than low share prices alone.

NASDAQ: IRD — Opus Genetics

Reference price: $4.59

Opus has the clearest near-term calendar catalyst of the three. The FDA is reviewing phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% for presbyopia, the age-related difficulty focusing on nearby objects, with a target action date of October 17, 2026.

The company reported that both supporting Phase 3 trials met their primary and key secondary endpoints. Viatris holds exclusive U.S. commercialization rights under its agreement with Opus, providing an established commercial partner if the expanded indication receives approval.

The investment opportunity is that a favorable decision could expand the product’s commercial prospects and prompt investors to reassess Opus’s licensing economics. The approaching deadline also creates a reason for increased investor attention before the decision.

Opus reported $88.8 million in cash and cash equivalents at June 30. Management estimated funding into 2029, although that projection includes potential future funding under its Oberland agreement rather than cash already held.

For price confirmation, our focus is a recovery through approximately $4.85–$5.05, an area of recent trading. A sustained move through that range would strengthen the rebound case. These are trading reference levels, not valuation targets.

Why it deserves attention: A defined catalyst is approaching within roughly two weeks, supported by completed late-stage studies and an established commercialization partner. An unfavorable FDA outcome or delay could undermine the opportunity quickly.

NASDAQ: POET — POET Technologies

Reference price: $7.80

POET offers exposure to the optical connections used in AI and data-center networks. Its investment case centers on moving from technology development into meaningful commercial shipments.

Second-quarter revenue was approximately $570,000, up 112% year over year, and the company reported $796.3 million in cash and short-term investments. POET also disclosed a new $2.4 million purchase order after quarter-end. Revenue remains small, and the business is still loss-making, but the commercial progress gives investors specific developments to monitor.

The company’s Lumilens arrangement includes an initial $50 million purchase order. Separately, an earlier order exceeding $5 million for 800G optical engines was targeted for shipment during the second half of 2026.

Those orders represent potential business, not revenue already earned. Development, customer qualification, manufacturing, and delivery requirements still matter.

A favorable customer, qualification, or shipment update could improve confidence in POET’s transition to commercial production. No fixed October announcement date was verified, making this a commercial-progress and momentum candidate rather than a scheduled-event trade.

Our technical confirmation area is approximately $8.00–$8.20. A sustained move above that range with stronger volume would improve the near-term case.

Why it deserves attention: POET combines exposure to AI infrastructure with identifiable customer commitments and a production ramp to monitor. The opportunity depends on execution; delays or weak conversion of orders into revenue would weaken the thesis.

NASDAQ: INO — INOVIO Pharmaceuticals

Reference price: $1.17

INOVIO is the most speculative selection. Its INO-3107 application targets recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, a disease involving recurring airway growths that can require repeated surgery. The company has reported an October 30, 2026 FDA target action date and is preparing for a potential commercial launch.

A favorable decision could shift investor attention toward launch execution and potential product revenue. Positioning ahead of the deadline could also generate trading interest, although neither a pre-decision rally nor approval is assured.

There is a material regulatory question. INOVIO disclosed that the FDA raised a preliminary concern about eligibility for accelerated approval. Subsequent discussions did not establish that this concern had been resolved. Completed review meetings and inspections should not be interpreted as approval.

Management projected funding into late first-quarter 2027, including proceeds from a July equity offering. That provides a stated runway beyond the target date, while financing and dilution remain relevant.

A sustained recovery above the recent $1.24–$1.26 trading area would improve our momentum assessment. An adverse FDA outcome could produce a substantial loss regardless of the stock’s low share price.

Why it deserves attention: A potentially consequential regulatory decision is approaching this month. The catalyst creates an opportunity for increased attention and sharp movement, but the unresolved approval-pathway issue makes INOVIO the highest-risk name on this list.

Market Scope Digest’s assessment

IRD deserves first attention for the nearest identifiable event. POET provides a different opportunity tied to commercial execution in AI infrastructure. INO offers a defined October deadline but carries the greatest regulatory uncertainty.

The stronger setup would combine a credible catalyst with improving price action and sustained buying volume. These stocks belong on an active watchlist; their catalysts create the possibility of movement, not a guarantee of gains.

Prices reflect reported October 2, 2026 closing quotes and are not live prices. IRD is rounded from $4.585. Technical levels represent Market Scope Digest’s interpretation of recent trading ranges.

Sources: Company financial releases and regulatory announcements, SEC filings, and Stock Analysis pricing and historical trading data.

This report provides general market commentary, not personalized investment advice. Regulatory dates, company expectations, and prices may change. Speculative stocks can lose substantial value.