Nanoscope Therapeutics Names Former Alcon Exec as Its New COO

Paul Hallen will oversee global operations as the company advances its MOGENRY gene therapy.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:06pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph revealing the delicate internal structures of a human eye, conceptually representing Nanoscope's innovative approach to vision restoration.Nanoscope's MOGENRY gene therapy platform aims to restore vision for patients with severe retinal diseases by activating the remaining visual circuitry.Dallas Today

Dallas-based Nanoscope Therapeutics, a late-stage clinical biotechnology company developing gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases and age-related macular degeneration, has named Paul Hallen as its new chief operating officer. Hallen, a veteran with over three decades of ophthalmic leadership experience, will oversee Nanoscope's global operations, including commercial readiness, supply chain, and cross-functional execution, as the company works toward regulatory approval and launch of its MOGENRY therapy.

Why it matters

Nanoscope's MOGENRY platform represents a novel approach to restoring vision for patients with severe retinal disease, and Hallen's appointment comes at a critical time as the company prepares for the potential commercialization of this therapy. His extensive experience in the ophthalmology industry will be invaluable as Nanoscope advances MOGENRY toward regulatory approval and global market access.

The details

As COO, Hallen will oversee Nanoscope's global operations, including commercial readiness, supply chain, and cross-functional execution, as the company works toward regulatory approval and launch of MCO-010 (MOGENRY), a therapy developed to treat retinitis pigmentosa. Hallen has more than three decades of ophthalmic leadership experience that includes marketing, sales, manufacturing, quality, research and development, and business strategy. Previously, he served as VP and global head of retina at Alcon, where he helped lead one of the industry's premier retina franchises, and also served as vice president of R&D supporting internal development and external acquisition activities.

  • Nanoscope continues to build clinical, regulatory, and manufacturing momentum in support of MOGENRY for retinitis pigmentosa, including advancement of its rolling Biologics License Application in the United States.
  • The company is also building a global regulatory foundation for MOGENRY, with Orphan Drug, Fast Track, and RMAT designations in the United States, Sakigake and Orphan Drug designations in Japan, five EMA Orphan designations for inherited retinal dystrophies, and, most recently, an Orphan drug designation for IRDs in Saudi Arabia.

The players

Nanoscope Therapeutics Inc.

A late-stage clinical biotechnology company developing gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases and age-related macular degeneration.

Paul Hallen

Nanoscope's new chief operating officer, with over three decades of ophthalmic leadership experience including roles at Alcon.

Sulagna Bhattacharya

Co-founder and CEO of Nanoscope Therapeutics.

MOGENRY

Nanoscope's gene therapy platform developed to treat retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal diseases.

Alcon

A global medical device company that develops eye care products and surgical equipment.

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What they’re saying

“Paul is a highly respected ophthalmology leader with a rare combination of technical, operational, and commercial expertise.”

— Sulagna Bhattacharya, Co-founder and CEO of Nanoscope Therapeutics

“I'm excited to join Nanoscope at such an important stage in its development. Nanoscope's MOGENRY platform represents a fundamentally differentiated approach with the potential to restore vision for patients with severe retinal disease. I look forward to working with the team to help advance MOGENRY toward potential approval and to support the company's operational and commercial readiness for the next stage of growth.”

— Paul Hallen

What’s next

Nanoscope continues to build clinical, regulatory, and manufacturing momentum in support of MOGENRY for retinitis pigmentosa, including advancement of its rolling Biologics License Application in the United States.

The takeaway

Nanoscope's appointment of Paul Hallen, an experienced ophthalmology executive, as its new COO underscores the company's commitment to advancing its innovative MOGENRY gene therapy platform and preparing for the potential commercialization of this vision-restoring treatment for patients with severe retinal diseases.