Ocugen names new CFO and advances gene therapy pipeline amid funding push

Biopharmaceutical company Ocugen has made several key moves in early 2026, including a new leadership appointment and progress in its drug development pipeline. The firm also completed a private share placement to raise funds, despite a recent dip in its stock price. These changes come as Ocugen prepares for major regulatory submissions in the next two years.

On February 9, 2026, Rita Johnson-Greene will take over as Ocugen's Chief Financial Officer. She brings over two decades of healthcare experience, with a focus on cell and gene therapy. Her previous roles include Chief Operating Officer at the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, as well as senior positions at Genetix Biotherapeutics and Spark Therapeutics.

Her compensation package includes a $440,000 annual base salary, a potential 45% bonus, a $90,000 sign-on bonus, 750,000 stock options, and 500,000 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) vesting over three years. Ramesh Ramachandran will continue as Chief Accounting Officer.

Ocugen recently raised $22.5 million through a private placement of 15 million shares at $1.50 each on January 23, 2026. The company's stock currently trades at $1.13, down 24.5% over the past month.

The firm is advancing its clinical pipeline, with positive interim results from the Phase 2 ArMaDa trial of OCU410. The data showed a 46% reduction in lesion growth and a 50% responder rate. Full results are expected in early 2026, with a Phase 3 trial set to begin later in the year. OCU410ST, for Stargardt disease, is also in a pivotal Phase 2/3 study, with interim data due mid-2026.

Ocugen plans to submit its first of three Biologics License Applications (BLAs) in 2026, including one for OCU400, a treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa. Topline Phase 3 data for OCU400 is expected by the end of 2026, alongside a Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) submission.

Ocugen's new CFO brings extensive industry experience as the company prepares for key regulatory milestones. With funding secured and clinical trials progressing, the firm aims to advance its gene therapy candidates toward approval. The next 12 months will see critical data readouts and potential regulatory filings.