Veeral Sheth, MD, is joined by the CEO of Oculis to discuss the company's ophthalmic pipeline, including OCS-01 for DME and OCS-05 for acute optic neuritis.
00:00:06 Introduction to New Insight
00:01:13 Riad Sherif's Journey from Physician to CEO
00:05:23 Challenges of Balancing Medical and Business Roles
00:09:44 Oculis' Portfolio and Recent Developments
00:14:40 OCS 05 and Its Clinical Applications
00:20:22 Oculis' Team and Leadership Philosophy
00:24:35 Future Goals and Vision for Oculis
In this episode of New Insight, host Veeral Sheth, MD, MBA, director of clinical research at University Retina and Macula Associates, spoke with Riad Sherif, MD, CEO of Oculis, about the company's groundbreaking advancements in
Sherif shared his journey from physician to industry leader, detailing his experiences at Sanofi, Novartis, and Alcon before transitioning to venture investment and eventually leading Oculis. He highlighted how his medical background informs his leadership approach, emphasizing a patient-first philosophy that drives innovation and sustainable growth in drug development.
The discussion delved into Oculis' clinical pipeline, particularly OCS-05, a neuroprotective agent demonstrating promising results in acute optic neuritis. The Phase 2 ACUITY trial showed that OCS-05 preserved retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), reduced axonal loss, and improved low-contrast visual acuity. Importantly, patients receiving OCS-05 experienced significantly fewer multiple sclerosis relapses, suggesting broader neuroprotective potential. Administered intravenously alongside corticosteroids, the therapy could represent a paradigm shift in preserving vision in acute optic neuritis and beyond.
Sheth and Sherif also explored Oculis' lead candidate, OCS-01, a topical treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) that uses an OPTIREACH® formulation of high-concentration dexamethasone to penetrate the retina. With two ongoing Phase 3 trials (DIAMOND 1 and 2), OCS-01 has the potential to offer a non-invasive alternative or adjunct to intravitreal injections, expanding treatment options for patients with DME. Additionally, Oculis' OCS-02, a TNF inhibitor for dry eye disease (DED), integrates a biomarker-driven precision medicine approach, ensuring targeted therapy for responders and potentially revolutionizing dry eye treatment.
Sherif provided insight into Oculis' international operations, highlighting its dual listings in the US and Iceland, the latter a strategic decision to engage Icelandic investors and maintain strong ties to the company’s research roots. He underscored the importance of assembling a high-caliber, mission-driven team to ensure successful execution in an unpredictable scientific landscape.
Looking ahead, Sherif noted that Oculis is focused on executing its clinical programs, particularly finalizing patient randomization in the DIAMOND trials, advancing precision medicine for inflammation, and expanding indications for OCS-05 in neuroprotection. In particular, he envisioned OCS-05 as a potential game-changer addressing significant unmet needs in ophthalmology by preserving vision and improving the quality of life for patients facing vision-threatening diseases.
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