Oculis Holding AG has appointed two distinguished medical experts to key advisory roles as the biopharmaceutical company advances its late-stage clinical programs in ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology. The appointments of Mark Kupersmith, M.D., as Chief Medical Advisor for Neuro-Ophthalmology and Sebastian Wolf, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Medical Advisor for Ophthalmology come at a pivotal moment for the company's pipeline development.
Strategic Leadership Expansion Following Clinical Milestones
The appointments follow significant clinical progress across Oculis' pipeline over the past year. The company completed enrollment in both Phase 3 DIAMOND trials with OCS-01 in diabetic macular edema and announced positive topline results for Privosegtor (OCS-05) in acute optic neuritis. Additionally, Oculis aligned with the U.S. FDA on the first-ever genotype-based development program in ophthalmology with Licaminlimab (OCS-02) to drive precision medicine in dry eye disease.
"I am honored that Mark Kupersmith and Sebastian Wolf are joining Oculis at such a crucial moment," stated Riad Sherif, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Oculis. "Their scientific expertise and rigor, with Mark's forty years of pioneering work in neuro-ophthalmology and Sebastian's extensive experience in retina and imaging, will significantly contribute to the next phase of Oculis' journey as a potential leader in ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology."
Advancing Neuroprotection in Acute Optic Neuritis
Dr. Kupersmith brings extensive expertise in neuro-ophthalmology, with over 40 years of experience in patient care, consulting, and clinical research. He helped design and conduct the ONTT, the first major treatment trial on optic neuritis and early intervention in early multiple sclerosis. His research has focused on acute optic nerve disorders and pioneered investigations of optic neuritis using optical coherence tomography, visual fields, and MRI.
"The ACUITY results of Privosegtor are compelling, showing for the very first time, in the same clinical trial, positive and consistent results with improvement of visual function combined with positive anatomical and biological measures of nerve cell preservation," said Dr. Kupersmith. "I am highly motivated to work more closely with Oculis on the tremendous neuroprotective potential of Privosegtor as it could make a meaningful difference for patients suffering from various neuro-ophthalmic disorders."
Dr. Kupersmith has authored more than 280 peer-reviewed publications and more than 340 abstracts at major scientific meetings. He has created a multi-institutional research group that uses multiple AI methods to investigate acute and swollen disorders of the optic nerve.
Retinal Expertise for Diabetic Macular Edema Program
Dr. Wolf's appointment as Chief Medical Advisor for Ophthalmology comes during the execution of Oculis' late-stage Phase 3 DIAMOND program in diabetic macular edema, with topline results expected in Q2 2026 and subsequent NDA filing planned in 2H 2026. As Professor of Ophthalmology and Managing Director of the Bern Photographic Reading Center, Dr. Wolf has served as the central reading center for the most recent OCS-01 and OCS-05 trials.
"I have partnered with Oculis for many years and, as the central reading center for the most recent OCS-01 and OCS-05 trials, had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the promising clinical potential of what could be the first eye drop to treat diabetic macular edema with OCS-01 and the first treatment for acute optic neuritis with OCS-05," said Dr. Wolf. "As a retina specialist, I believe the development of OCS-01 as an effective topical therapy represents a significant potential paradigm shift, enabling early intervention and a new treatment option for patients not adequately responding to the current standard of care."
Dr. Wolf has authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals including Archives of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology, and Retina. He has served as General Secretary of EURETINA (2010-2015) and as President EURETINA (2017-2019).
Pipeline Addressing Significant Unmet Medical Needs
Oculis' highly differentiated late-stage clinical pipeline includes three core product candidates. OCS-01 is an eye drop in pivotal registration studies, aiming to become the first non-invasive topical treatment for diabetic macular edema. Privosegtor (OCS-05) is a neuroprotective candidate in Phase 2 for acute optic neuritis, with potentially broad clinical applications in various neuro-ophthalmic and neurological diseases. Licaminlimab (OCS-02) is a novel topical anti-TNFα in Phase 2, being developed with a genotype-based approach to drive personalized medicine in dry eye disease.
Arshad Khanani, M.D., M.A., FASRS, member of Oculis' Board of Directors and Chair of Oculis' Retina Scientific Advisory Board and DIAMOND trial Steering Committee, added: "Mark's and Sebastian's distinguished careers bring world-class clinical and scientific expertise to the Oculis leadership team. Their deep understanding of the pathophysiology behind optic nerve and retinal disorders, and as practicing clinicians, the profound unmet needs of patients, will complement well the existing team in place."
