Oculis Appoints Katie Kazem as Chief Legal Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Oculis (Nasdaq: OCS) appointed Katie Kazem as Chief Legal Officer on Feb 17, 2026, to lead legal, compliance, and corporate governance functions.

Ms. Kazem brings 15+ years of capital markets and life‑sciences legal experience and has advised Oculis since its NASDAQ listing in March 2023. The move coincides with Privosegtor entering the PIONEER registrational program and DIAMOND Phase 3 topline results expected in Q2 2026.

Positive

• Appointed CLO with 15+ years of life‑sciences capital markets experience
• Privosegtor advancing into the PIONEER registrational program
• DIAMOND Phase 3 topline results expected in Q2 2026
• Ongoing leadership continuity: Kazem advised Oculis since March 2023

Negative

• Company concentrated on three late‑stage assets, raising near‑term binary risk
• Topline readout timing creates a Q2 2026 binary catalyst and execution risk

Key Figures

Late-stage assets: 3 assets DIAMOND topline timing: Q2 Experience: Over 15 years +5 more

8 metrics

Late-stage assets 3 assets Described as highly differentiated and late-stage in development

DIAMOND topline timing Q2 Phase 3 topline results for OCS-01 in DME expected in Q2

Experience Over 15 years CLO’s experience representing life sciences companies

Academic degree JD, magna cum laude Law degree from George Mason University School of Law

NASDAQ listing date March 2023 Oculis listing on NASDAQ referenced by new CLO

Phase Phase 3 DIAMOND Phase 3 trial for OCS-01 in DME

Topline result timing Q2 2026 Much-anticipated DIAMOND Phase 3 topline results timeline

Career roles Dozens of IPOs/acquisitions Track record representing public life sciences and technology companies

Market Reality Check

Price: $28.49 Vol: Volume 318,811 vs 20-day ...

normal vol

$28.49 Last Close

Volume Volume 318,811 vs 20-day average 345,983 (relative volume 0.92), indicating typical trading interest ahead of this announcement. normal

Technical Shares at $28.49, modestly below the $29.36 52-week high and trading above the $19.91 200-day MA, reflecting a strong pre-news uptrend.

Peers on Argus

Key biotech peers like ABUS, EYPT, QURE, TSHA, and UPB showed negative moves (do...

Key biotech peers like ABUS, EYPT, QURE, TSHA, and UPB showed negative moves (down between -1.24% and -31.05%) while OCS was nearly flat at -0.18%, pointing to stock-specific rather than sector-driven dynamics.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 08 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 08	Pipeline showcase	Positive	+5.0%	Showcased late-stage neuro-ophthalmology pipeline and outlined key 2026 milestones.
Jan 06	Regulatory designation	Positive	+5.8%	Announced FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Privosegtor in optic neuritis.
Jan 05	RSU vesting notice	Neutral	-1.3%	Disclosed routine RSU vesting and settlement for a company director.
Dec 09	RSU vesting notice	Neutral	+0.5%	Reported RSU vesting and settlement events for multiple directors.
Dec 03	RSU vesting notice	Neutral	+1.1%	Filed managers’ transaction notice for a director’s RSU vesting.

Pattern Detected

Positive clinical and designation news has recently coincided with single-day gains around 5–6%, while routine governance or administrative items have seen muted moves.

Recent Company History

Over recent months, Oculis highlighted late-stage assets like Privosegtor and OCS‑01, including a Breakthrough Therapy Designation and plans for the PIONEER registrational program and DIAMOND Phase 3 readout. Those clinically focused announcements on Jan 6 and Jan 8 drove 5–6% single‑day gains. By contrast, several December and January disclosures on RSU vesting produced small moves near flat. Today’s Chief Legal Officer appointment fits into this governance/organizational category alongside an advancing late‑stage pipeline.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf · $6,877,246.59

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-11-10

$6,877,246.59 registered capacity

An effective Form F-3 filed on 2025-11-10 registers resale of up to 494,259 warrant-linked shares by a selling securityholder. Oculis is not selling shares under this prospectus and would only receive up to $6,877,246.59 in cash upon full warrant exercise; resales themselves do not provide proceeds to the company.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement underscores Oculis’ focus on governance and execution as its late‑stage pipeline a...

Analysis

This announcement underscores Oculis’ focus on governance and execution as its late‑stage pipeline approaches pivotal milestones, including DIAMOND Phase 3 topline results for OCS‑01 in DME expected in Q2 2026 and the PIONEER registrational program for Privosegtor. The new Chief Legal Officer brings over 15 years of capital markets and regulatory experience, complementing prior 2025 equity financings and warrant-linked registration. Investors may watch upcoming clinical readouts, additional financings, and further leadership moves as key reference points.

Key Terms

neuro-ophthalmology, ophthalmology, initial public offerings (IPOs), m&a, +2 more

6 terms

neuro-ophthalmology medical

"a global biopharmaceutical company focused on breakthrough innovations to address significant unmet medical needs in neuro-ophthalmology and ophthalmology"

A medical specialty focused on vision problems that stem from the brain, nerves, or the systems that move the eyes — essentially the wiring and control center that connects the eye to the brain. It matters to investors because treatments, tests, or devices developed for these conditions can affect clinical trial design, regulatory approval, market size, and revenue potential for companies working on neurological, ophthalmic, or diagnostic products; think of it as addressing problems where sight and the nervous system meet.

ophthalmology medical

"a global biopharmaceutical company focused on breakthrough innovations to address significant unmet medical needs in neuro-ophthalmology and ophthalmology"

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that diagnoses, treats and prevents eye diseases and vision problems, ranging from routine exams to surgery. For investors, it matters because advances, approvals or setbacks in eye drugs, surgical tools, diagnostics or implants can change sales, regulatory risk and long-term demand—think of it as the medical ‘repair and upgrade’ market for a vital organ.

initial public offerings (IPOs) financial

"experience representing life sciences companies on US initial public offerings (IPOs), capital raising, M&A"

An initial public offering (IPO) is when a privately held company sells shares to the general public for the first time, turning private ownership into publicly traded stock that can be bought and sold on a market. For investors, an IPO creates a new opportunity to buy ownership in a company early, offering potential for big gains or losses as the market sets a public price and liquidity—think of it as a bakery that used to sell only to friends now opening to the neighborhood, where demand and price can change quickly.

m&a financial

"experience representing life sciences companies on US initial public offerings (IPOs), capital raising, M&A and strategic transactions"

M&A, short for mergers and acquisitions, involves one company combining with or purchasing another company to grow, streamline operations, or gain competitive advantages. For investors, M&A activity can signal potential for increased value, new opportunities, or changes in market dynamics, making it an important factor to watch in the business landscape.

sec compliance regulatory

"life sciences companies on US initial public offerings (IPOs), capital raising, M&A and strategic transactions, SEC compliance, and corporate governance"

SEC compliance means that a public company follows the rules and disclosure requirements set by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including accurate financial reporting, timely filings, and truthful public statements. For investors, it matters because these rules act like safety rails and a clear mirror: they help ensure companies provide reliable information, reduce the chance of fraud or surprises, and make it easier to compare and trust different investments.

phase 3 medical

"just ahead of the much‑anticipated DIAMOND Phase 3 topline results for OCS‑01 eye drops in DME"

Phase 3 is the late-stage clinical testing step for a new drug or medical treatment, where the product is given to large groups of patients to confirm effectiveness, monitor side effects, and compare it to standard care. Successful Phase 3 results are often the final scientific hurdle before regulators decide on approval and market launch—like passing a final exam before graduation—and can sharply change a company's valuation and future revenue prospects.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

ZUG, Switzerland, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

• Ms. Kazem brings extensive and global expertise in corporate governance and securities law, drawing on a distinguished track record as external legal counsel to leading life sciences companies
• Chief Legal Officer (CLO) appointment enhances leadership capabilities to advance three highly differentiated late-stage assets toward near-term clinical and regulatory milestones

Oculis Holding AG (Nasdaq: OCS / XICE: OCS) (“Oculis”), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on breakthrough innovations to address significant unmet medical needs in neuro-ophthalmology and ophthalmology, today announced the appointment of Katie Kazem as Chief Legal Officer, leading Oculis’ legal, compliance and corporate governance functions. Ms. Kazem brings extensive expertise in corporate and securities law, with a distinguished track record advising public and private life sciences companies on complex transactions and regulatory matters.

Riad Sherif, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Oculis, stated “Katie joins Oculis at an exciting moment, with Privosegtor advancing into the PIONEER program with registrational trials for a novel neuroprotective platform and just ahead of the much‑anticipated DIAMOND Phase 3 topline results for OCS‑01 eye drops in DME, expected in Q2. This significant momentum reinforces our commitment to delivering transformational therapies. I look forward to working alongside Katie as we continue to make rapid progress across our highly differentiated pipeline and prepare for important late‑stage clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones."

Katie Kazem, Chief Legal Officer of Oculis, said “I am honoured to be joining Oculis at such an important stage of the company’s journey to become a global leader in neuro-ophthalmology and ophthalmology. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of serving as external legal counsel to Oculis since its listing on NASDAQ in March 2023, which allowed me to work closely with its exceptional executive team and board of directors, witness the company’s remarkable progress and unwavering business integrity, and gain deeper insight into its highly promising pipeline. I look forward to continuing this collaboration as we advance the company’s late‑stage assets toward future clinical milestones and commercialization.”

Ms. Kazem brings to Oculis over 15 years of experience representing life sciences companies on US initial public offerings (IPOs), capital raising, M&A and strategic transactions, SEC compliance, and corporate governance. She joins Oculis from Cooley LLP, a leading international law firm, where she was a capital markets partner. At Cooley, she represented dozens of publicly traded life sciences and technology companies in their IPOs, acquisitions, follow-on offerings, and strategic licensing transactions. She has particular expertise in advising dual-listed biotechnology companies across Europe. Her experience spans both company-side and underwriter-side representations across the life sciences and technology sectors. Ms. Kazem earned her JD, magna cum laude, from George Mason University School of Law, a Master’s degree in Public Policy from George Mason University School of Public Policy, and a BA in Government from the College of William & Mary.

-ENDS-

About Oculis

Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company (Nasdaq: OCS; XICE: OCS) focused on breakthrough innovations to address significant unmet medical needs in neuro-ophthalmology and ophthalmology. Oculis’ highly differentiated late-stage clinical pipeline includes three core product candidates: Privosegtor, a breakthrough neuroprotective candidate in the PIONEER program which consists of studies intended to support registration plans for treatment in optic neuropathies like optic neuritis (ON) and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), with potentially broad clinical applications in various other neuro-ophthalmic and neurological diseases; OCS-01, an eye drop in pivotal registration studies, aiming to become the first non-invasive topical treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME); and Licaminlimab, a novel, topical anti-TNFα in Phase 2, which is being developed with a genotype-based approach to drive precision medicine in dry eye disease (DED). Headquartered in Switzerland with operations in the U.S. and Iceland, Oculis is led by an experienced management team with a successful track record and supported by leading international healthcare investors.

For more information, please visit: www.oculis.com

Oculis Contact
Ms. Sylvia Cheung, CFO
sylvia.cheung@oculis.com

Investor Relations
LifeSci Advisors
Corey Davis, Ph.D.
cdavis@lifesciadvisors.com

Media Relations
ICR Healthcare
Amber Fennell / David Daley / Sean Leous
oculis@icrhealthcare.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information. For example, statements regarding the potential benefits of the Company’s product candidates, the initiation, timing, progress and results of current and future clinical trials, Oculis’ research and development programs, regulatory and business strategy, including planned interactions with the FDA; Oculis’ future development plans; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; statements about market opportunity, and the Company’s expected financial position and cash runway, are forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Oculis and its management, are inherently uncertain and are inherently subject to risks, variability, and contingencies, many of which are beyond Oculis’ control. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, assurance, prediction or definitive statement of a fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected and/or those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of Oculis, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of Oculis’ annual report on Form 20-F and any other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of these documents are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Oculis undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

FAQ

Who is Katie Kazem and what role did Oculis (OCS) announce on Feb 17, 2026?

Katie Kazem was named Chief Legal Officer at Oculis on Feb 17, 2026, to lead legal, compliance, and governance. According to the company, she brings over 15 years advising life‑sciences firms and served as external counsel since Oculis’s March 2023 NASDAQ listing.

What significance does the CLO appointment have for Oculis (OCS) and its late‑stage pipeline?

The appointment strengthens legal and governance capability ahead of key clinical milestones. According to the company, the hire supports advancing three late‑stage assets toward near‑term regulatory and commercial milestones, including registrational trials and a Phase 3 readout.

When are Oculis (OCS) investors expecting the DIAMOND Phase 3 topline results?

DIAMOND Phase 3 topline results are expected in Q2 2026, creating a near‑term catalyst. According to the company, investors should view this as a binary clinical readout that could materially affect the program’s regulatory and commercial timelines.

What is the PIONEER program update for Privosegtor at Oculis (OCS)?

Privosegtor is advancing into the PIONEER registrational program, indicating progression to pivotal trials. According to the company, this step targets registrational endpoints for a novel neuroprotective platform and signals late‑stage development momentum.

How does Katie Kazem’s background support Oculis (OCS) corporate strategy?

Kazem’s capital markets and SEC compliance experience aligns with corporate and financing needs ahead of late‑stage milestones. According to the company, her track record includes IPOs, follow‑on offerings, M&A, and advising dual‑listed biotech companies.

What near‑term risks should Oculis (OCS) shareholders watch after the Feb 17, 2026 appointment?

Shareholders should monitor the Q2 2026 DIAMOND topline readout and execution of registrational trials. According to the company, the business is concentrated in three late‑stage assets, creating near‑term binary and regulatory risk tied to those readouts.