Arun Upadhyay

Dr. Arun Upadhyay is Chief Scientific Officer at Ocugen. In this role, Dr. Upadhyay oversees the biotech’s efforts in discovery research and innovation, early- to late-stage global product development, and a supply chain program that specifically supports its clinical trials. This includes leading a team of scientists who are exploring how gene modifier therapeutic technology can transform how degenerative diseases are treated.

Dr. Upadhyay has over 15 years of experience ranging from discovery research, manufacturing, and clinical trial supply management. He has extensively worked in drug development, ranging from small molecules to biologics, and advanced cell and gene therapy modalities. Prior to joining Ocugen, he led ophthalmic drug development and delivery research at the University of Colorado Denver in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. There, Dr. Updhyay had been instrumental in developing novel approaches for sustained and targeted drug delivery of peptide, proteins, RNA, and DNA to cells and tissues. Dr. Upadhyay led engineering of polymeric micro and nano carriers’ system of vaccine antigens to enhance immunogenicity and protective immunity.

Dr. Upadhyay received his PhD in Biotechnology from the National Institute of Immunology and an MSc in Biotechnology from Jawaharlal Nehru University – both in New Delhi, India. Dr. Upadhyay was awarded the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists’ “Innovation in Nanotechnology Award” for developing the novel ocular drug delivery systems. Dr. Updhyay has authored more than 40 scientific publications and holds more than 15 patents, mainly focused on drug discovery and development.