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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">UNITED STATES</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">Washington, D.C. 20549&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>FORM 8-K</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">CURRENT REPORT</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
March 16, 2012</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-collapse: collapse">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 18%; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 67%; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center">VENTRUS BIOSCIENCES, INC.</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 15%; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; text-align: center">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 40%; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; text-align: center">Delaware</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 16%; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; text-align: center">001-35005</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 44%; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; text-align: center">20-8729264</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; text-align: center">(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; text-align: center">(Commission File Number)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt; text-align: center">(IRS Employer ID Number)</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-collapse: collapse">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 100%; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt">99 Hudson Street, 5<SUP>th</SUP> Floor, New York, New York 10013</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt">(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; border-collapse: collapse">
<TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 38%; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt">Registrant&rsquo;s telephone number, including area code</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 62%; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-left: 5.4pt">(646) 706-5208</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0.2in 0pt 0">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing
is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0.2in 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 35.7pt; text-indent: -31.2pt"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&#9;Written
communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 4.5pt">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 35.7pt; text-indent: -31.2pt"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&#9;Soliciting
material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 35.25pt; text-indent: -30.95pt"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&#9;Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))&nbsp;</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 35.25pt; text-indent: -30.95pt">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 35.25pt; text-indent: -30.95pt"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&#9;Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 35.25pt; text-indent: -30.95pt">&nbsp;</P>



<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"><B>&nbsp;</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"><B>Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Principal Officers;
Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">On March 14, 2012, Ventrus Biosciences,
Inc. reported in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 the executive compensation earned by its named
executive officers in 2011, other than one portion of non-equity incentive plan bonuses that was indeterminable at that time. On
March 16, 2012, we determined and paid out the final cash incentive bonuses for performance by our named executive officers for
2011. The final bonuses were based on financial operations goals of eliminating previously identified material weaknesses in internal
controls over financial reporting and timely and materially compliant filings. These goals were substantially dependent on the
filing of, and the disclosure regarding our internal controls over financial reporting contained in, our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which was filed on March 14, 2012. As a result, our Board determined to defer consideration
of the financial operations goals until after the Form 10-K had been filed.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">Each officer's potential bonus was weighted
differently for the financial operations goals, depending on his respective area of responsibility. All of the financial operations
goals were met. For the financial operations goals, Dr. Russell Ellison, our Chief Executive Officer, achieved 20% out of a possible
20%, David Barrett, our Chief Financial Officer, achieved 60% out of a possible 60%, and Mr. Rowland achieved 5% out of a possible
5%. The resulting bonuses for the financial operations goals for Dr. Ellison, Mr. Barrett and Mr. Rowland were $18,750, $18,750
and $833, respectively; Mr. Rowland's bonus was prorated due to his having been hired on September 1, 2011. These bonuses increased
the total 2011 non-equity incentive plan bonus for Dr. Ellison to $ 108,750, for Mr. Barrett to $60,000 and for Mr. Rowland to
$15,000. This increased total compensation for 2011 to $808,750, $560,000 and $1,397,976, respectively, for Dr. Ellison, Mr. Barrett
and Mr. Rowland.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">&nbsp;</P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in"></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><U>SIGNATURES</U></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left; text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 6pt">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD COLSPAN="2"><B>VENTRUS BIOSCIENCES, INC.</B></TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD COLSPAN="2">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD COLSPAN="2">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top; width: 50%">Date:
March 22, 2012&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 4%">By:&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top; width: 46%">/s/ David J. Barrett</TD></TR>
<TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top; border-top: #000000 1px solid">David J. Barrettt, Chief Financial Officer</TD></TR>
</TABLE>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left; text-indent: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 6pt">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left; text-indent: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 6pt"></P>

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
March 16, 2012
VENTRUS BIOSCIENCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
001-35005
20-8729264
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer ID Number)
99 Hudson Street, 5
th
Floor, New York, New York 10013
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
(646) 706-5208
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing
is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
¨
Written
communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
¨
Soliciting
material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
¨
Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
¨
Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Principal Officers;
Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.
On March 14, 2012, Ventrus Biosciences,
Inc. reported in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 the executive compensation earned by its named
executive officers in 2011, other than one portion of non-equity incentive plan bonuses that was indeterminable at that time. On
March 16, 2012, we determined and paid out the final cash incentive bonuses for performance by our named executive officers for
2011. The final bonuses were based on financial operations goals of eliminating previously identified material weaknesses in internal
controls over financial reporting and timely and materially compliant filings. These goals were substantially dependent on the
filing of, and the disclosure regarding our internal controls over financial reporting contained in, our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which was filed on March 14, 2012. As a result, our Board determined to defer consideration
of the financial operations goals until after the Form 10-K had been filed.
Each officer's potential bonus was weighted
differently for the financial operations goals, depending on his respective area of responsibility. All of the financial operations
goals were met. For the financial operations goals, Dr. Russell Ellison, our Chief Executive Officer, achieved 20% out of a possible
20%, David Barrett, our Chief Financial Officer, achieved 60% out of a possible 60%, and Mr. Rowland achieved 5% out of a possible
5%. The resulting bonuses for the financial operations goals for Dr. Ellison, Mr. Barrett and Mr. Rowland were $18,750, $18,750
and $833, respectively; Mr. Rowland's bonus was prorated due to his having been hired on September 1, 2011. These bonuses increased
the total 2011 non-equity incentive plan bonus for Dr. Ellison to $ 108,750, for Mr. Barrett to $60,000 and for Mr. Rowland to
$15,000. This increased total compensation for 2011 to $808,750, $560,000 and $1,397,976, respectively, for Dr. Ellison, Mr. Barrett
and Mr. Rowland.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
VENTRUS BIOSCIENCES, INC.
Date:
March 22, 2012
By:
/s/ David J. Barrett
David J. Barrettt, Chief Financial Officer