Note 10 — Share-based compensation

The following table shows the total share-based compensation expense included in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations (thousands):

There were 10,807,200 and 9,994,656 options over ordinary shares granted in the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively, with a weighted average fair value of $0.55 and $0.75, respectively. Additionally, in the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, 6,498,126 and 6,552,636 options were granted respectively, which have a nominal exercise price (similar to a restricted stock unit (RSU)), with a weighted average fair value of $0.94 and $1.34, respectively.

The RSU-style options over ordinary shares in Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc were granted under the Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc Employee Share Option Scheme (adopted on January 14, 2016).  These options have an exercise price equal to the nominal value of an ordinary share, of £0.001, and generally vest over four years, with 25% on the first, and each subsequent, anniversary of the grant date.  The RSU-style options are not subject to performance conditions and the contractual term is ten years. The Company has elected to account for forfeitures of stock options when they occur by reversing compensation cost previously recognized, in the period the award is forfeited, for an award that is forfeited before completion of the requisite service period.