Oculis Establishes Hong Kong Office and Appoints Dr. Joanne Chang as Global Chief Medical Officer

HONG KONG, Oct. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oculis SA ("Oculis"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on clinical development and research, is pleased to announce the official establishment of its Hong Kong office to enhance its future development and commercial capabilities in China and Asia, a key strategic region. Oculis develops novel ophthalmic therapeutics to improve and restore vision. In April this year, Oculis completed a USD 57 million Series C financing round, securing strong backing from prominent Chinese investment institutions such as Bio-wealth Fund and HuiDing Investment.

Concurrently, Oculis announced the appointment of Dr. Joanne Chang (M.D., Ph.D.) as Global Chief Medical Officer and Head of Project Portfolio Management. Dr. Chang brings extensive R&D and medical affairs experience across global markets, including China and the United States, along with deep expertise in key ophthalmic fields such as the cornea, retina, and gene therapy. Based in Hong Kong, she will oversee global medical affairs and corporate project management. Dr. Chang will play a pivotal role on the Executive Management Team, strengthening Oculis’s existing operations in China, Europe, and the United States, and driving the company’s global expansion.

Oculis Chief Executive OfficerRiad Sherif Dr.stated: “As the company continues to grow and expand, we warmly welcome Dr. Ruyu Chang to our team. Leveraging her expertise in the global ophthalmology sector and exceptional leadership, she will become an integral member of our organization. Given that our pipeline products are poised to enter Phase III clinical trials, Dr. Chang’s appointment will undoubtedly further empower the company to strengthen and expand its product portfolio, addressing the demand for comprehensive and continuous treatment in key ophthalmic areas. Dr. Chang will also serve as the first global executive at the Oculis Hong Kong office, marking a significant milestone in our international expansion and a critical step toward delivering therapeutic solutions to ophthalmic patients worldwide.”

Chang RuyuDr.stated: "Oculis is dedicated to improving and restoring vision, and it is an honor for me to be part of this endeavor. Oculis has already achieved two 'firsts' in product development: OCS-01 is the first and only eye drop proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME); and OCS-02 is the first novel anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-α) eye drop proven effective for the treatment of severe dry eye disease and uveitis. I look forward to advancing OCS-01 and OCS-02 into Phase III clinical trials in the United States, and I eagerly anticipate collaborating with stakeholders across the industry to unlock their therapeutic potential in diabetic macular edema, dry eye disease, and uveitis."

Dr. Ruyu Chang has over 20 years of experience in global medical and regulatory affairs, clinical development, health economics, and market access. During her 13-year tenure at Novartis, she held leadership positions across China, the United States, and other global functions, where she led global medical affairs teams and provided strategic guidance for the ophthalmology business, including retina, gene therapy, and anterior segment diseases. Previously, Dr. Chang served as Head of Clinical Development and Medical Regulatory Affairs for North America at Alcon, overseeing clinical development strategy, medical affairs, and scientific operations. She also formerly served as Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs for Novartis Greater China.

Prior to joining Novartis, Dr. Ruyu Chang held key positions at globally renowned pharmaceutical companies, including Bayer, Annet, Johnson & Johnson, and Abbott Laboratories, with responsibilities spanning health economics, strategic marketing, and clinical development.

Dr. Ruyu Chang received a bachelor’s degree from the Wuhan University School of Medicine, conducted postdoctoral research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.