Ocuphire Pharma, Inc., a clinical-stage ophthalmic biopharmaceutical company, has announced that its Chief Executive Officer and President, Mina Sooch, is stepping down from her position. Ocuphire Pharma has appointed Rick Rodgers, who is already a member of Ocuphire's Board of Directors, as the Interim CEO and President while they search for a permanent replacement.

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Experienced Leadership to Execute Ocuphire's Strategy

According to Cam Gallagher, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ocuphire is currently at an exciting point in its evolution. Ocuphire Pharma's focus is now primarily on advancing APX3330 into Phase 3 for diabetic retinopathy and securing regulatory approvals for Nyxol across three indications. Ocuphire Pharma has retained an executive search firm to assist in identifying a permanent CEO.

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Mr. Rodgers' Proven Track Record in Biopharmaceutical Management

Rick Rodgers is a seasoned operating executive with 20 years of experience in biopharmaceutical management. He has served as Chair of the Audit Committee and member of the Compensation Committee since Ocuphire's merger with Rexahn Pharmaceuticals Inc. in 2020. He has also served as Executive Vice President, CFO, Secretary, and Treasurer of TESARO, Inc., which was acquired by GSK in December 2018. Rodgers has a proven track record in creating value, and his leadership will be invaluable during this leadership transition at Ocuphire.

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Seamlessly Executing Near-Term Priorities

Mr. Rodgers has stated that he is honored to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer of Ocuphire at this critical juncture in Ocuphire Pharma's maturation. His near-term priorities include holding an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA to solidify the Phase 3 design and path to registration for APX3330. For Nyxol, the first NDA for the reversal of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis has a PDUFA date in September 2023, and Ocuphire Pharma looks forward to working with the FDA through the regulatory review process.

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Exciting Partnership with Viatris

Mr. Rodgers has also mentioned that Ocuphire is excited to be partnered with Viatris, which has selected the Nyxol portfolio of indications as a key element of its plan to create a global eye care leader.

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Members of LevelFields received the alert of this event on April 21, 8:20 AM ET

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