Oculis Biotech Secures $300M Funding to Advance Neuroprotective Eye Therapies

Basel, Switzerland – November 10, 2025 – Oculis Biotech, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to preserving vision, today announced the successful completion of a financing round, raising nearly $300 million. The funding will fuel the advancement of its pipeline, focusing on novel therapies for acute optic neuritis (AON), non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), and dry eye disease (DED).

This significant capital injection positions Oculis to accelerate clinical trials, particularly for its lead candidate, Privosegtor, a neuroprotective agent being developed for AON and NAION – conditions with limited effective treatment options. The company also plans to progress its OCS-01 program for dry macular degeneration and advance its personalized medicine approach to DED with its Licaminlimab candidate.

Addressing Unmet Needs in Optic Nerve Diseases

AON and NAION represent significant challenges for patients and ophthalmologists alike. Currently, treatment options are limited, often focusing on managing symptoms rather than preventing vision loss. “There's a substantial need for therapies that go beyond supportive care and actually protect the optic nerve,” explains an industry analyst familiar with the space. “The potential impact of a successful neuroprotective agent in these conditions is enormous.”

Privosegtor’s mechanism of action aims to directly address the underlying cause of nerve damage in AON and NAION. Preclinical data suggests it has the potential to preserve retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, a key indicator of optic nerve health. Oculis plans to initiate pivotal trials in late 2025, building on promising early-stage results.

Pioneering a Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease is a chronic and often debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. Current treatments offer symptomatic relief, but don't address the underlying causes of the disease. Oculis is taking a novel approach by leveraging genetic insights to tailor treatment to individual patients with its Licaminlimab candidate.

“The understanding that genetics play a role in DED is gaining traction,” says a researcher specializing in ocular surface disease. “Identifying specific genotypes that respond better to certain therapies could revolutionize how we treat this condition.”

Oculis’s personalized medicine strategy involves identifying patients with genetic markers that predict a favorable response to Licaminlimab, a TNF-alpha inhibitor. This approach could significantly improve treatment efficacy and reduce the burden of trial-and-error for patients.

OCS-01: A Novel Approach to Dry Macular Degeneration

Beyond neuroprotection, Oculis is also focused on addressing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Its OCS-01 program is developing a first-in-class, non-invasive topical eye drop for dry AMD. The company hopes OCS-01 could provide a more convenient and patient-friendly alternative to intravitreal injections, the current standard of care.

“The convenience of an eye drop would be a game-changer for patients,” notes a practicing ophthalmologist. “Injections can be intimidating and require frequent visits to the clinic. A non-invasive option would significantly improve compliance.”

Strong Financial Position and Investor Confidence

The $300 million funding round provides Oculis with a robust financial position and extends its cash runway into 2029. The company’s strong liquidity and promising pipeline have attracted significant investor confidence. Analysts predict a potential 47% upside to the stock price, based on key milestones expected over the next two years.

“Oculis has assembled a compelling portfolio of clinical candidates and a highly experienced team,” states a financial analyst covering the biotechnology sector. “The company is well-positioned to deliver value to patients and shareholders.”

The company reported a Q3 2025 net loss of CHF 16.9 million, attributed to increased research and development expenses. However, investors seem unfazed by the short-term losses, recognizing the long-term potential of Oculis's pipeline. The company’s current ratio and quick ratio of 4.55, and a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01 indicate strong financial health.

Looking Ahead

Oculis Biotech is poised for a period of significant growth and innovation. The company’s commitment to developing novel therapies for debilitating eye diseases, coupled with its strong financial position and experienced team, positions it as a leader in the ophthalmology space. As Oculis advances its clinical programs and delivers on its promises, it has the potential to transform the lives of millions of patients worldwide.

“Oculis is truly at the forefront of ocular innovation,” says one industry insider. “Their focus on unmet needs and personalized medicine is paving the way for a brighter future for vision care.”