Björn Tackenberg, M.D. Ph.D. FEAN FAAN, Professor of Neurology, will lead Oculis’ global integrated scientific strategy supporting the advancement of Privosegtor and its expansion into new therapeutic applications

Aaron Tansy, M.D., appointed as Vice President, Development Franchise Head, Neurology, brings complementary expertise in neurology and global clinical development

Oculis Holding AG (Nasdaq: OCS; XICE: OCS) (“Oculis”), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on breakthrough innovations in neuro-ophthalmology and ophthalmology, announced the appointment of Björn Tackenberg, M.D., Ph.D., FEAN, FAAN and Professor of Neurology as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Prof. Tackenberg will lead Oculis’ global integrated scientific strategy, research portfolio development and value creation, expansion into novel drug candidates, and related strategic scientific partnerships and external engagements. His initial priorities will focus on advancing Oculis’ lead asset Privosegtor through the PIONEER registrational program and evaluating its therapeutic potential in acute multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses and additional neurological indications.

Prof. Tackenberg joins Oculis from Roche, where he served as Head of Integrative Neuroscience & Medical Practice, encompassing clinical development plans and study design, biomarker development and evidence-generation strategies, and strategic partnerships with academic and scientific institutions. Previously, he served as Head of the Center of Neuroimmunology and Vice-Chair of the Department of Neurology at Marburg University in Germany from 2008 to 2019. During his tenure, he established a clinical trials unit that conducted more than 75 randomized controlled trials in autoimmune indications and a tertiary reference center for complex autoimmune treatments. As an experienced and successful industry leader, board-certified neurologist and physician-scientist, Prof. Tackenberg brings deep clinical and scientific expertise in MS, neuroimmunology, neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases. He has authored or co-authored over 135 original publications, as well as treatment guidelines for MS, myasthenia gravis and inflammatory neuropathies. His career bridges basic neuroscience and academic clinical neurology, translational research, pharmaceutical and biomarker development, and scientific and medical affairs. Prof. Tackenberg is a Fellow of both the European Academy of Neurology and the American Academy of Neurology.

Riad Sherif, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Oculis, said: “Oculis is building a world-leading neuro-ophthalmology and neurology franchise. We are exceptionally pleased to welcome Björn as Chief Scientific Officer and Aaron as Development Franchise Head, Neurology, as we advance Privosegtor through the PIONEER registrational program, and prepare to explore its potential in acute MS relapses and other neurological indications. Björn and Aaron bring highly complementary leadership across scientific strategy, development execution, and translational advancement. Their collective experience in neurology, neuroimmunology, neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases spanning academic research, clinical practice and pharmaceutical development will materially strengthen Oculis’ ability to translate emerging insights into new therapeutic opportunities.”

Björn Tackenberg, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Oculis, added: “I am excited to join Oculis at this pivotal time in the Company’s growth. Privosegtor is a highly promising innovation with the potential to advance neuroprotection, and the opportunity to help shape its development is invaluable. Building on the PIONEER program in neuro-ophthalmology, I look forward to working with the Oculis team and external scientific partners to explore Privosegtor’s potential in acute MS relapses and other neurological indications, translate research into meaningful evidence for patients, and evaluate new opportunities to address significant unmet needs for people living with neurological conditions.”

Aaron Tansy, M.D., recently joined Oculis as Vice President, Development Franchise Head, Neurology. A board-certified neurologist, Dr. Tansy brings clinical research and drug development experience spanning early-stage studies through commercial approval, including programs in MS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), autoimmune disorders and rare diseases. His experience includes global clinical development planning, Phase 1–3 trial design and execution, medical and safety oversight, and interactions with U.S. and European regulatory authorities from investigational applications through marketing submissions. He most recently served as Executive Medical Director, Clinical Development at PTC Therapeutics and previously held clinical development roles at Ovid Therapeutics and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.