Dexamethasone

DIAMOND is the first and only pivotal trial program ever conducted with a topical treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME)Over 800 patients randomized in DIAMOND-1 or DIAMOND-2 Phase 3 trials at an industry-leading record speed across 119 sites worldwide primarily in the US; topline data readout expected in Q2 2026 with NDA submission to followCompany to provide an update on the DIAMOND program and its innovative late-stage pipeline at the upcoming in-person and virtual R&D Day on Tuesday, April 15 ZUG, Switzerland, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oculis Holding AG (Nasdaq: OCS / ICX: OCS.IC) (“Oculis”), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on innovations addressing ophthalmic and neuro-ophthalmic diseases with significant unmet medical needs, today announced that it has completed enrollment in both Phase 3 DIAMOND-1 and DIAMOND-2 trials of OCS-01 eye drops in DME, designed as pivotal registration studies to support global marketing applications including NDA submission and approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The trials enrolled over 800 patients at 119 investigative sites throughout the United States and several other countries. Rapid completion of enrollment in the DIAMOND (DIAbetic Macular edema patients ON a Drop) program, consisting of two (2) Phase 3, double-masked, randomized, multi-center trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OCS-01 eye drops in patients with DME following 52-weeks of treatment, is an important milestone. Topline data from both Phase 3 trials is expected in the second quarter of 2026, with NDA submission to follow thereafter. If approved, OCS-01 is expected to become the first topical eye drop for the treatment of DME and address unmet medical needs for early treatment intervention or for patients with inadequate response to anti-VEGF therapy. Riad Sherif, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Oculis, said: “The completion of enrollment in both the DIAMOND-1 and DIAMOND-2 Phase 3 trials shows strong focus on disciplined execution. I would like to thank all stakeholders participating in the trials and the whole medical community for their excellent support to advance this program towards NDA submission, which keeps us on track for a topline data readout from both studies in the second quarter of 2026. For the months to come, we will remain focused on execution to ensure the program's continued advancement, bringing us closer to potentially providing a transformational solution, with the first non-invasive topical eye drop therapy, for patients suffering from DME.” Arshad M. Khanani, M.D., M.A, FASRS, DIAMOND Program Steering Committee Chairperson, Oculis Board of Directors member, Scientific Advisory Board Chair of Retina and Director of Clinical Research at Sierra Eye Associates, commented: “Together with my colleagues on the DIAMOND steering committee, I am greatly encouraged by the ongoing strong progress of OCS-01 and the Phase 3 program. It’s exciting to witness the enthusiasm from the investigators due to the positive results seen in Stage 1 of the DIAMOND program. The rapid enrollment of over 800 patients in both trials not only reflects the recognition among investigators of OCS-01's significant potential as an effective, non-invasive therapy for DME, but also demonstrates the high level of patient interest in a topical eye drop treatment.” An update on the progress of the Phase 3 DIAMOND-1 and DIAMOND-2 trials will be included in Oculis’ upcoming in-person and virtual R&D Day on Tuesday April 15. Register for the event here. To learn more about the Phase 3 DIAMOND trials, please visit diamondtrial.com. About OCS-01 eye drops and OPTIREACH® technologyLeveraging Oculis’ proprietary technology, OCS-01 is an OPTIREACH® formulation of high concentration dexamethasone eye drop. It is being developed as an eye drop to treat the retina to offer a non-invasive treatment alternative for diabetic macular edema (DME). This route of administration enables easy access to treatment in the early stages of the disease and could be used in combination with other therapies in later stages. In contrast, all currently available treatments require invasive delivery methods, such as intravitreal injections or ocular implants, to reach the retina. The OPTIREACH® solubilizing formulation technology addresses the main limitations of conventional eye drops by improving the solubility of lipophilic drugs, increasing the residence time on the eye surface and thereby, enabling the drug passage from the eye surface to the posterior segment of the eye. Oculis’ OCS-01 is being developed with the aim to transform the current treatment paradigm in DME as a non-invasive topical treatment option. OCS-01 is an investigational drug in Phase 3 that has not received regulatory approval for commercial use in any country. About Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)DME is the leading cause of visual loss and legal blindness in patients with diabetes. Currently, it is estimated to affect around 37 million people worldwide and, with the rise of diabetes, the prevalence is expected to increase to 53 million by 20401,2. DME is an irreversible and progressive complication of diabetic retinopathy and is related to consistently having high blood sugar levels that damage nerves and blood vessels in the macula, the area of the retina responsible for sharp vision. DME occurs when blood vessels in the retina swell, and then leak, leading to a fluid build-up (edema) into the retina. There remains a significant need for safe, efficacious, and less burdensome treatments for DME patients. About the Phase 3 DIAMOND Program of OCS-01 in Diabetic Macular EdemaThe DIAMOND-1 (DIAbetic Macular edema patients ON a Drop) and DIAMOND-2 trials are Phase 3, double-masked, randomized, multi-center trials which will evaluate the efficacy and safety of OCS-01 eye drops in patients with DME. Oculis has enrolled over 800 patients across both pivotal trials who have been randomized 1:1 to receive OCS-01 or vehicle six times daily for the 6-week induction phase and then three times daily through week 52 for the maintenance phase. The primary endpoint is change in best corrected visual acuity early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (BCVA ETDRS) letter score at Week 52. Secondary endpoints include percentage of patients with ≥15-letter gain in BCVA and change in central subfield thickness (CST), both at Week 52. Both trials were initiated upon the positive findings from stage 1 of the DIAMOND program, which was announced in the second quarter of 2023. About OculisOculis is a global biopharmaceutical company (Nasdaq: OCS / XICE: OCS) purposefully driven to save sight and improve eye care. Oculis’ highly differentiated pipeline of multiple innovative product candidates in clinical development includes: OCS-01, a topical eye drop candidate for diabetic macular edema (DME); Privosegtor (OCS-05), a neuroprotective candidate for acute optic neuritis with potentially broad clinical applications in other neuro-ophthalmic diseases; and Licaminlimab (OCS-02), a topical biologic anti-TNFα eye drop candidate for 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 is supported by leading international healthcare investors. For more information, please visit: www.oculis.com Oculis ContactMs. Sylvia Cheung, CFOsylvia.cheung@oculis.com Investor RelationsLifeSci AdvisorsCorey Davis, Ph.D.cdavis@lifesciadvisors.com Media RelationsICR HealthcareAmber Fennell / David Daley / Sean Leousoculis@icrhealthcare.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements and information. For example, statements regarding the potential benefits of OCS-01, including patient impact and market opportunity; the potential of OCS-01 to become the first non-invasive topical eye drop therapy for DME; expected future milestones and catalysts; the initiation, timing, progress and results of Oculis’ clinical trials, including the progress of Oculis’ DIAMOND Phase 3 trials of OCS-01 eye drops in DME and the topline data readout from both Phase 3 trials expected in the second quarter of 2026; Oculis’ research and development programs, regulatory and business strategy, future development plans, and management; Oculis’ ability to advance product candidates into, and successfully complete, clinical trials; and the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, 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 (the “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. (1) Yau et al. Global Prevalence and Major Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetes Care 2012 Mar; 35(3): 556-564 (2) International Diabetes Federation – diabetesatlas.org Estimated diabetes prevalence worldwide in 2021: 537m, reaching 783m in 2045

Based on the Phase 3 CheckMate-8HW trial, Opdivo plus Yervoy demonstrated reduction in the risk of disease progression or death by 79% vs. chemotherapy in the first-line setting and by 38% vs. Opdivo monotherapy across all lines of therapy 1 The approval was granted more than two months ahead of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act goal date PRINCETON, NJ, USA I April 08, 2025 I Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Opdivo ® (nivolumab) plus Yervoy ® (ipilimumab) as a first-line treatment of adult and pediatric patients (12 years and older) with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC). 1 This approval is based on the CheckMate-8HW trial, which is the largest Phase 3 trial (n=839) of immunotherapy in patients with MSI-H/dMMR mCRC, evaluating Opdivo plus Yervoy (n=354) vs. Opdivo monotherapy (n=353) in the all-lines setting and Opdivo plus Yervoy (n=202) vs. investigator’s choice chemotherapy (n=101) (mFOLFOX-6 or FOLFIRI with or without bevacizumab or cetuximab) in the first-line setting. 1 Opdivo plus Yervoy met the dual primary endpoints of progression free survival (PFS) when compared to Opdivo monotherapy across all lines of therapy and when compared to chemotherapy in the first-line setting, as assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR). 1 This approval, granted more than two months ahead of the June 23, 2025 Prescription Drug User Fee Act goal date, follows the FDA’s prior decision to grant the application Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Priority Review status. “There is an unmet need for additional treatment options such as a dual immunotherapy approach for patients with previously untreated MSI-H/dMMR unresectable or metastatic CRC, which is an aggressive form of cancer and can be particularly difficult to treat,” said Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD, CheckMate-8HW investigator and Deputy Director for Research Programs and Head of the Gastrointestinal Cancers Program at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. 2,3,4,5,6 “The meaningful outcomes in CheckMate-8HW underscore how initiating treatment with the dual immunotherapy combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab may result in a notable survival benefit. 1,5 This approval has the potential to redefine traditional approaches of care for patients with this form of CRC.” In the CheckMate-8HW trial, Opdivo plus Yervoy demonstrated a 38% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death vs. Opdivo monotherapy in immunotherapy-naïve patients across all lines of therapy (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.62; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.48–0.81; P =0.0003). 1 Assessing the dual primary endpoint of PFS, the trial demonstrated that median PFS was not reached with Opdivo plus Yervoy (95% CI: 53.8-Not Estimable [NE]) and was 39.3 months with Opdivo monotherapy (95% CI: 22.1-NE). 1 PFS rates at 12-, 24-, and 36-months were also numerically higher compared to Opdivo monotherapy (76% vs. 63%, 71% vs. 56%, and 68% vs. 51%, respectively). 1 In Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves showing PFS rates with Opdivo plus Yervoy compared to Opdivo monotherapy, an early separation was observed at two months and sustained at three years. 1 Opdivo plus Yervoy also met a key secondary endpoint, demonstrating superior overall response rate (ORR) by BICR compared to Opdivo monotherapy (n=296, 71% vs. n=286, 58%; P =0.0011). 1 Of the most common all-cause adverse reactions (ARs) occurring in ≥10% of patients, similar rates of grade 3-4 ARs were observed between Opdivo plus Yervoy and Opdivo monotherapy. 1 The safety profile for the dual immunotherapy combination remained consistent with previously reported data and the ARs observed were manageable with established protocols, with no new safety signals identified. 1,5 Additional safety information can be found in the U.S. Full Prescribing Information for Opdivo . The Opdivo plus Yervoy vs. chemotherapy arm of the CheckMate-8HW trial showed that the combination regimen reduced the risk of cancer progression or death by 79% compared to chemotherapy in first-line patients (HR 0.21; 95% CI: 0.14-0.32; P <0.0001). 1 This arm also assessed the other dual primary endpoint of PFS, where median PFS was not reached with Opdivo plus Yervoy (95% CI: 38.4-NE) compared to 5.8 months with chemotherapy (95% CI: 4.4-7.8). PFS rates were numerically higher with Opdivo plus Yervoy vs. chemotherapy at 12- and 24-months (79% vs. 21% and 72% vs. 14%, respectively). 1 KM curves comparing PFS with Opdivo plus Yervoy vs. chemotherapy showed an early separation at three months, which was sustained through two years. 1 The regimen of Opdivo plus Yervoy represents the first-ever dual immune checkpoint inhibitor combination to demonstrate significant efficacy benefit compared to Opdivo monotherapy and chemotherapy in MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients. 1,5 Opdivo and Yervoy are associated with the following Warnings and Precautions: severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions including pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis and hepatotoxicity, endocrinopathies, nephritis with renal dysfunction, dermatologic adverse reactions, other immune-mediated adverse reactions; infusion-related reactions; complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); embryo-fetal toxicity; and increased mortality in patients with multiple myeloma when Opdivo is added to a thalidomide analogue and dexamethasone, which is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials. 1 Please see the Important Safety Information section below. “This approval marks our ninth indication for an Opdivo -based treatment in the gastrointestinal space. 1 We are witnessing the transformative potential of dual immunotherapy in treating GI cancers,” said Wendy Short Bartie, senior vice president of Oncology Commercialization at Bristol Myers Squibb. 2,3,4,5 “People with MSI-H/dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer face high unmet need, and Opdivo plus Yervoy is an important new approach in the first-line setting. 2,3,4,5 This milestone can offer hope, and it underscores our commitment to continue reaching more patients with new treatment options.” 1 “Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related death for men and women combined in the U.S., and concerning trends show that incidence is increasing in people younger than 50,” said Nicole Sheahan, President of the Global Colon Cancer Association. 6,7 “Despite the prevalence of CRC, there remains a high unmet need, highlighting the urgency for additional treatment options. 2,3,5,6,7 We are thrilled with this FDA approval as Opdivo plus Yervoy offers an exciting new first-line approach for patients with MSI-H/dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer.” 1 Opdivo as a single agent, or in combination with Yervoy , was previously granted accelerated approval in MSI-H/dMMR CRC adult and pediatric patients (12 years and older) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. 1 Today’s FDA decision converts this second-line indication to full approval for Opdivo monotherapy and expands the indication for Opdivo plus Yervoy into the first-line setting based on the CheckMate-8HW trial. 1 About CheckMate-8HW CheckMate-8HW is a Phase 3, randomized, multicenter, open-label trial evaluating Opdivo plus Yervoy compared to Opdivo alone or chemotherapy (mFOLFOX-6 or FOLFIRI with or without bevacizumab or cetuximab) in patients with unresectable MSI-H/dMMR mCRC. 8 In the CheckMate-8HW study, 839 patients were randomized to receive either Opdivo monotherapy ( Opdivo 240 mg Q2W for six doses, followed by Opdivo 480 mg Q4W), Opdivo plus Yervoy ( Opdivo 240 mg plus Yervoy 1 mg/kg Q3W for four doses, followed by Opdivo 480 mg Q4W), or investigator’s choice of chemotherapy. 8 The dual primary endpoints of the trial were PFS for Opdivo plus Yervoy compared to Opdivo alone across all lines of therapy and PFS for Opdivo plus Yervoy compared to chemotherapy in the first-line setting, as assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR). 8 The study is ongoing to assess various secondary endpoints, including overall survival (OS), and BMS will continue to work with the study investigators to present these data and longer-term follow-up in the future. 8 Select Safety Profile from CheckMate-8HW The safety analysis in CheckMate-8HW included 288 patients, of whom 200 received Opdivo plus Yervoy. 1 Serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients receiving Opdivo plus Yervoy . 1 The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥1% of patients who received Opdivo plus Yervoy were adrenal insufficiency (2.8%), hypophysitis (2.8%), diarrhea (2.0%), abdominal pain (2.0%), small intestinal obstruction (2.0%), pneumonia (1.7%), acute kidney injury (1.4%), immune mediated enterocolitis (1.4%), pneumonitis (1.4%), colitis (1.1%), large intestinal obstruction (1.1%), and urinary tract infection (1.1%). 1 The most common adverse reactions reported in ≥ 20% of patients treated with Opdivo plus Yervoy were fatigue, diarrhea, pruritis, abdominal pain, musculoskeletal pain, and nausea. 1 Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2 (0.6%) patients who received Opdivo plus Yervoy ; these included myocarditis and pneumonitis, 1 each. 1 Opdivo and/or Yervoy were discontinued in 19% of patients and were delayed in 48% of patients for an adverse reaction. 1 About Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer (CRC) is cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum, which are part of the body’s digestive or gastrointestinal system. 9 With more than 154,000 new cases estimated to be diagnosed in the United States in 2025, CRC is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. 7,10 Trends show that incidence is increasing in people younger than 50, and mortality rates have increased in people younger than 55 since the mid-2000s. 7 Mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) occurs when the proteins that repair mismatch errors in DNA replication are missing or non-functional, leading to microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors. 11,12 Up to 7% of people with mCRC have MSI-H/dMMR tumors and may often have poor outcomes with standard chemotherapy. 5 INDICATIONS OPDIVO ® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY ® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC). OPDIVO ® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. OPDIVO ® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY ® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. OPDIVO ® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy. OPDIVO ® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer with residual pathologic disease in adult patients who have received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). OPDIVO ® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). OPDIVO ® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY ® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). OPDIVO ® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY . Clinical Trials and Patient Populations CheckMate-649–previously untreated advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction and esophageal adenocarcinoma; CheckMate-577–adjuvant treatment of esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer; 8HW: Previously CheckMate-142–MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer in combination with YERVOY; 8HW: Previously CheckMate-142–MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer, as a single agent; Attraction-3–esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; CheckMate-648—previously untreated, unresectable advanced recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in combination with chemotherapy; CheckMate-648—previously untreated, unresectable advanced recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma combination with YERVOY; CheckMate-040–hepatocellular carcinoma, in combination with YERVOY. Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision — transforming patients’ lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine and, through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep understanding of causal human biology, cutting-edge capabilities and differentiated research platforms uniquely position the company to approach cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. As a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future. About Bristol Myers Squibb’s Patient Access Support Bristol Myers Squibb remains committed to providing assistance so that cancer patients who need our medicines can access them and expedite time to therapy. BMS Access Support ® , the Bristol Myers Squibb patient access and reimbursement program, is designed to help appropriate patients initiate and maintain access to BMS medicines during their treatment journey. BMS Access Support offers benefit investigation, prior authorization assistance, as well as co-pay assistance for eligible, commercially insured patients. More information about our access and reimbursement support can be obtained by calling BMS Access Support at 1-800-861-0048 or by visiting www.bmsaccesssupport.com . About the Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Collaboration In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Bristol Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally, except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Ono and Bristol Myers Squibb further expanded the companies’ strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies – as single agents and combination regimens – for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. About Bristol Myers Squibb Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn , X , YouTube , Facebook and Instagram . References SOURCE: Bristol Myers Squibb