Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. announced the appointment of Joseph (Joe) K. Schachle, M.B.A., into the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer, effective immediate. Mr. Schachle was most recently Chief Operating Officer of Opus Genetics, a gene therapy company focused on rare, inherited retinal diseases. In this role, he managed multiple corporate functions including human resources, finance, legal, investor relations, facilities, information technology, and commercial.

He was employed at Grifols from 2013 to 2014 and again from 2017 to 2021 where he held various senior positions including Head of Global Marketing Operations and Vice President of Customer Experience Enablement. From 2014 to 2017, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Parion Sciences. From 2001 to 2002 and 2003 to 2011, he was employed at Inspire Pharmaceuticals where he oversaw multiple partnering deals and promoted three eye care brands.

Inspire was acquired by Merck in 2011, and Mr. Schachle led the integration efforts at the time of this transaction. From 2002 to 2003, he was employed at MedImmune as Director of Anti-Infective Marketing. Prior to that, from 1992 to 2001, he was employed at GSK where he held various marketing roles across respiratory, CNS, oncology and HIV.

Mr. Schachle received an MBA from Old Dominion University, VA, and a BBA in Marketing from James Madison University, VA.