OKYO Pharma Transitions ATM Facility to Leerink Partners

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

Source: Newsfilter

Updated: Feb 11 2026

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OKYO-0.58%

Should l Buy OKYO?

Source: Newsfilter

Change of Financing Agent: OKYO Pharma has transitioned its ATM equity offering facility to Leerink Partners LLC, replacing B. Riley Securities Inc., aiming to enhance capital market access and financial flexibility in the biopharmaceutical sector.
Market Access: The new ATM program allows OKYO Pharma to opportunistically sell common shares directly into the market at prevailing prices, subject to market conditions and the company's discretion, thereby raising funds without disrupting the market.
Support for Clinical Development: CFO Keeren Shah highlighted that Leerink Partners' deep expertise in biotech and proven track record in executing ATM programs will aid in advancing the company's pipeline, particularly the lead candidate urcosimod for neuropathic corneal pain.
Commission Structure: Under the agreement, Leerink Partners will act as the exclusive sales agent and receive a commission of 3.0% of gross proceeds from any shares sold, further optimizing OKYO Pharma's capital utilization efficiency.

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Analyst Views on OKYO

Wall Street analysts forecast OKYO stock price to rise

2 Analyst Rating

2 Buy

0 Hold

0 Sell

Moderate Buy

Current: 1.710

Low

5.00

Averages

6.00

High

7.00

Current: 1.710

Low

5.00

Averages

6.00

High

7.00

Piper Sandler

Biren Amin

Overweight

initiated

2026-02-20

Reason

Piper Sandler

Biren Amin

Price Target

AI Analysis

2026-02-20

initiated

Overweight

Reason

Piper Sandler analyst Biren Amin initiated coverage of Okyo Pharma with an Overweight rating and $7 price target. The firm is positive on the company's lead asset, urcosimod, for the treatment of neuropathic corneal pain associated with either post-ocular surgery or dry eye disease. The Phase 2 data in both indications demonstrated a "meaningful" efficacy signal on pain endpoints while maintaining a "clean" safety profile, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Piper is "encouraged" by early data, saying the unmet need in neuropathic corneal pain is high as there are currently no approved treatments.

B. Riley

initiated

2025-12-08

Reason

B. Riley

Price Target

2025-12-08

initiated

Reason

B. Riley initiated coverage of Okyo Pharma with a Buy rating and $5 price target. The firm says the company is developing urcosimod, an anti-inflammatory, anti-pain approach to treat neuropathic corneal pain, a severe and debilitating eye condition. With no FDA-approved treatments, patients rely on off-label approaches, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Riley says its currently estimated 500,000 diagnosed patient pool could be much closer to 1M patients with improved diagnosis.

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About OKYO

OKYO Pharma Limited is a United Kingdom-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED) and neuropathic corneal pain (NCP). The Company is focused on the discovery and development of novel molecules to treat neuropathic corneal pain and dry eye disease. Its research program focuses on a novel G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR). The Company’s lead candidate, urcosimod, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and non-opioid analgesic. Urcosimod consists of a 10-mer C-terminal Chemerin sequence, a linker (PEG-8), and Palmitic acid. It has completed a Phase II trial in patients with DED and NCP. The Company also plans to evaluate its potential in benefiting patients with ocular neuropathic pain, uveitis and allergic conjunctivitis. It is also evaluating OK-201, a bovine adrenal medulla (BAM), lipidated-peptide preclinical analogue candidate that is in the developmental stage.

About the author

Emily J. Thompson

Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.

OKYO Pharma to Present Urcosimod Data at ARVO 2026

Feb 23 2026Newsfilter

Clinical Trial Results: OKYO Pharma's urcosimod demonstrated significant pain reduction in a Phase 2a clinical trial for neuropathic corneal pain, with clinically meaningful decreases in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, enhancing patients' quality of life and indicating its potential in treating this condition with no FDA-approved therapies.
Conference Presentation Opportunity: Chief Scientific Officer Raj Patil, Ph.D., will present these findings at the ARVO 2026 Annual Meeting, highlighting the significance of urcosimod's first-in-human study results in the field of ophthalmology research.
Future Research Plans: OKYO plans to initiate a multicenter Phase 2b/3 trial involving approximately 150 patients in the coming months to further evaluate urcosimod's efficacy and safety, laying the groundwork for the company's expansion in the ophthalmic drug market.
FDA Fast Track Designation: Urcosimod has received FDA Fast Track designation, becoming the first IND application for neuropathic corneal pain, showcasing its innovative potential in addressing this serious condition and likely attracting increased investor interest.

Wall Street Analysts Adjust Ratings

Feb 20 2026Benzinga

Analyst Rating Changes: Top Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings on several companies, indicating a shift in market sentiment that could influence investor decisions and market trends.
Overview of Updates: While specific upgrades and downgrades are not detailed, the overall rating changes may prompt investors to reassess their holdings, potentially affecting trading volumes and price fluctuations of the related stocks.
Expected Market Reaction: Analyst rating adjustments typically trigger immediate market responses, and investors should monitor these changes to timely adjust their investment strategies and capitalize on potential market opportunities.
Information Access: Investors can access a comprehensive view of rating changes through Benzinga's analyst ratings page, aiding them in making more informed investment decisions.

OKYO Pharma Prices Public Offering at $1.85 per Share

Feb 13 2026NASDAQ.COM

Public Offering Pricing: OKYO Pharma Ltd has announced a public offering of 10.82 million shares priced at $1.85 each, with gross proceeds expected to be around $20 million, indicating the company's proactive approach to financing ahead of the offering's expected closure on February 17, 2026.
Underwriter Selection: Piper Sandler & Co. has been appointed as the sole manager for the offering, reflecting the company's careful and professional selection of partners to ensure a smooth fundraising process.
Stock Price Fluctuation: Following the announcement, OKYO's stock fell 7.83% in the after-hours market to $2.00, indicating a negative market reaction to the offering, which may impact investor confidence.
Clinical Development Plans: The company intends to use the net proceeds primarily for clinical development of its product candidates and general corporate purposes, particularly focusing on treatments for neuropathic corneal pain, highlighting its commitment to R&D and potential for future growth.

OKYO Pharma Announces Public Offering of Shares

Feb 13 2026seekingalpha

Offering Size: OKYO Pharma plans to publicly offer 10,815,000 ordinary shares priced at $1.85 each, aiming to raise approximately $20 million, which could increase to about $23 million if the underwriter exercises its additional purchase option.
Use of Proceeds: The funds raised will primarily support clinical development, general corporate purposes, and working capital, aimed at bolstering the company's future R&D and operational needs, thereby enhancing its market competitiveness.
Underwriter Option: The underwriter has a 30-day option to purchase an additional 1,622,250 shares at the public offering price, indicating potential demand for the stock and investor confidence.
Closing Timeline: The offering is expected to close on or around February 17, 2026, pending customary closing conditions, reflecting the company's positive outlook on future growth.

OKYO Pharma Prices Public Offering at $1.85 per Share

Feb 13 2026Newsfilter

Offering Size: OKYO Pharma announced the pricing of 10,815,000 ordinary shares at $1.85 each, aiming for gross proceeds of approximately $20 million, demonstrating the company's proactive capital raising capabilities in the market.
Underwriter's Option: The underwriter has a 30-day option to purchase an additional 1,622,250 shares, which, if fully exercised, would increase total proceeds to about $23 million, thereby enhancing the company's financial strength.
Use of Proceeds: The company intends to utilize the net proceeds primarily for clinical development, general corporate purposes, and working capital, indicating its strategic focus on future product development and market expansion.
Underwriter Details: Piper Sandler & Co. is serving as the sole manager for the offering, which is expected to close around February 17, 2026, reflecting the company's reliance on professional financial institutions to ensure the offering's success.