S4, E3: Inside Opus Genetics’ Pivot – Skepticism, Proxy Fights and a Comeback, with CEO George Magrath

In this episode, Surani speaks with George Magrath, CEO of Opus Genetics, about the realities of leading a public biotech company through a major strategic pivot and intense market scrutiny. Opus Genetics emerged from a 2024 reverse merger between Nasdaq-listed Ocuphire Pharma and a private gene therapy company focused on inherited retinal diseases. What followed was a turbulent stretch for the company, including investor skepticism, a proxy fight led by Ocuphire’s original founder, and a stock price that fell below $1. George discusses his background as an ophthalmologist turned biotech executive, how he first encountered Opus while overseeing ophthalmology trials at Lexitas, and why he ultimately pursued the merger. The conversation also explores the company’s gene therapy pipeline targeting LCA5 and bestrophinopathies, the role of patient advocacy in ultra-rare disease development, and what it takes to advance clinical programs while navigating the pressures of the public markets. The company has a current market cap of $306 million, share price $4.45 (4 March 2026). Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction 03:00 — George Magrath’s unusual path from surgeon to biotech CEO 05:15 — First exposure to Opus during clinical trials at Lexitas 06:40 — The reverse merger with Ocuphire and strategic shift into gene therapy 09:40 — The March 2025 financing and investor skepticism 11:20 — The proxy fight led by Ocuphire founder Mina Sooch 12:40 — Gene therapy hype cycles and investor sentiment 16:00 — Patient advocacy, ultra-rare disease, and the Lindsey Rambo story 26:30 — What comes next for Opus: pipeline expansion and future vision For any comments, questions or feedback you can connect directly with ⁠⁠Surani Fernando⁠⁠ on LinkedIn or email: [email protected] Title music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media)