ZUG, Switzerland—Oculis Holding AG (Nasdaq: OCS), a global biopharmaceutical company, has announced the appointment of Sharon Klier, MD, MS, MPH, an executive leader with extensive experience in clinical development across early and late-stage programs, regulatory submissions and approvals, to the role of chief development officer, a role previously held by Bastian Dehmel, MD, since January 2022. In this key role, Dr. Klier will oversee and provide strategic leadership across the clinical development and operations of Oculis’ robust ophthalmology pipeline, the company said.

According to the announcement, Dr. Klier has more than 20 years of experience developing and executing global clinical development strategies that have supported product approvals and successful launches in retina and corneal diseases. Before joining Oculis, she served as chief development officer, head of ophthalmology at UNITY Biotechnology, where she played a key role in driving forward UNITY’s pipeline. Prior to that, she held roles of increasing responsibility at several companies including Quark, Allergan, ISTA and Pfizer, where she gained extensive experience in ophthalmology, particularly in retinal diseases, neuro-ophthalmology and ocular inflammation, the company noted.

“We are delighted that Sharon is joining Oculis’ strong R&D team," said Riad Sherif, MD, chief executive officer of Oculis. "Sharon’s breadth of knowledge in ophthalmology, alongside her expertise in drug development, will be crucial as we continue to progress our late-stage pipeline. Her leadership experience, along with her proven track record in taking programs from late discovery through regulatory approval, will be instrumental as we continue to successfully execute our strategic vision.”

“I am excited to join the Oculis team, and have been so impressed by the company’s innovative, diverse and successful pipeline,” said Dr. Klier. “I look forward to applying my expertise in clinical development across the different clinical programs, and to working with this skilled and accomplished team to make significant strides toward delivering new and transformative therapies for eye diseases.”