Ocugen, Inc. announced that Connie Collingsworth, former Chief Operating Officer of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will join the Company?s Business Advisory Board (BAB). The BAB was established in June 2023 to assist in driving public/private partnerships with governments around the world; pursuing business collaborations, partnerships, and licensing opportunities; creating awareness of the Company?s differentiated capabilities; and promoting access to the Company?s therapies around the world. Ms. Collingsworth has been a primary advisor to Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett regarding governance.

During her tenure with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, she designed and implemented the core operational infrastructure and created the intellectual property strategy known as ?Global Access,? as well as advising on the creation of a $2.5 billion strategic investment fund. Ms. Collingsworth joins Senator Pat Toomey, Ambassador Joseph W. Westphal, Ph.D., and Dennis Carey, Ph.D. on the BAB.

These advisors will work alongside the Executive Leadership Team to offer guidance to enable the Company to fulfill its mission and achieve its short- and long-term strategy.