OKYO Pharma Rings Nasdaq Opening Bell Celebrating Urcosimod Advancements
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 19 2025
0mins
Should l Buy OKYO?
Source: Newsfilter
- Opening Bell Ceremony: OKYO Pharma's Executive Chairman Gabriele Cerrone rang the Nasdaq Opening Bell in Times Square, New York, celebrating the company's ongoing advancements in innovative treatments, particularly the drug Urcosimod for neuropathic corneal pain.
- Clinical Trial Results: Urcosimod demonstrated significant pain reduction in a recent Phase 2 trial involving 18 patients with neuropathic corneal pain, indicating the drug's potential in addressing this unmet medical need.
- Future Plans: OKYO Pharma is planning to initiate a larger multicenter trial for Urcosimod in Q1 2026, aiming to provide effective treatment options for more patients and enhance its market competitiveness.
- Industry Impact: With no FDA-approved therapies currently available for neuropathic corneal pain, the successful development of Urcosimod could fill this market gap, significantly improving patient quality of life and potentially driving company revenue growth.
Discover Tomorrow's Bullish Stocks Today
Analyst Views on OKYO
Wall Street analysts forecast OKYO stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for OKYO is 6.00 USD with a low forecast of 5.00 USD and a high forecast of 7.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
2 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 2.050
Low
5.00
Averages
6.00
High
7.00
Current: 2.050
Low
5.00
Averages
6.00
High
7.00
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 ASCRS Meeting
- Key Conference Presentation: OKYO Pharma's lead candidate urcosimod has been accepted for presentation at the 2026 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting, highlighting its potential in treating neuropathic corneal pain and likely attracting significant attention from ophthalmology experts.
- Clinical Trial Results: Urcosimod demonstrated significant pain reduction and improvements in corneal nerve health in a recently completed Phase 2 trial, providing robust clinical data that may enhance its acceptance and usage in the market.
- Future Research Plans: The company plans to initiate a 150-patient Phase 2b/3 multiple-dose study in the first half of 2026 to further validate urcosimod's efficacy, paving the way for commercialization and addressing the urgent market need for effective treatments.
- FDA Fast Track Designation: Urcosimod has received FDA fast track designation as the first IND drug for neuropathic corneal pain, showcasing its innovation in the treatment space and potential for significant commercial opportunities for the company.
See More
OKYO Pharma Achieves Successful FDA Meeting on Urcosimod
- FDA Meeting Outcomes: OKYO Pharma's Type C meeting with the FDA confirmed the clinical development plan for urcosimod in treating neuropathic corneal pain, with the FDA recognizing a ≥2-point improvement on the VAS scale as a meaningful treatment effect, indicating significant market potential for the drug.
- Statistical Guidance Support: The FDA provided guidance on the statistical analysis plan, emphasizing that if finalized before unmasking and results are strong, it could provide substantial evidence of effectiveness at a future End-of-Phase 2b/3 meeting, thereby de-risking the clinical trial pathway.
- Study Design Endorsement: The FDA endorsed the study design, sample size, and powering assumptions for urcosimod, and agreed that the Ocular Pain Assessment Survey is appropriate as supportive quality-of-life evidence, further enhancing the credibility of the clinical trial.
- Future Research Plans: OKYO plans to initiate a 120-patient Phase 2b/3 multiple-dose study in the first half of 2026, aiming to address the significant unmet medical need in neuropathic corneal pain treatment, thereby advancing the company's strategic development in the biopharmaceutical sector.
See More
OKYO Pharma (OKYO) Receives FDA Approval for Expanded Access of Urcosimod
- FDA Approval for Expanded Use: OKYO Pharma has received FDA authorization for expanded access to Urcosimod 0.05% for a single patient suffering from severe neuropathic corneal pain, addressing a significant gap in effective treatments in this area.
- Urgent Clinical Need: The request for expanded access was made for a patient with debilitating symptoms and no effective treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for therapies in neuropathic corneal pain, which could present new market opportunities for OKYO.
- Drug Mechanism Advantage: Urcosimod's dual mechanism targeting both inflammatory pathways and nerve-related pain signaling supports its evaluation in this patient population, potentially enhancing its clinical applicability and market acceptance.
- Future Research Plans: OKYO plans to initiate a 120-patient Phase 2b/3 multiple-dose study later this year to further validate Urcosimod's efficacy, which, if successful, will lay a solid foundation for the company's future growth.
See More
OKYO Pharma Appoints Robert Dempsey as CEO to Drive Growth
- Leadership Change: OKYO Pharma has appointed Robert Dempsey as CEO, succeeding Gary Jacob, who transitions to Chief Development Officer while remaining on the board, aiming to drive the company's next phase of growth through new leadership.
- Industry Experience: Dempsey brings over 20 years of global ophthalmology experience, having previously served as Group Vice President and Head of Global Ophthalmology at Shire, which is expected to provide strategic advantages to the company.
- Focus on Key Asset: The new CEO will concentrate on advancing the company's lead asset, urcosimod, for treating neuropathic corneal pain and other ocular inflammatory diseases, potentially opening new market opportunities for the firm.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the leadership change announcement, OKYO Pharma's stock rose 7.21% on Nasdaq, closing at $2.2300, reflecting investor confidence in the new leadership and optimism about the company's future development.
See More
OKYO Pharma Appoints Dempsey as CEO to Drive New Drug Development
- Leadership Transition: Robert J. Dempsey assumes the role of CEO at OKYO Pharma immediately, bringing over 20 years of global ophthalmology experience, which is expected to drive innovation in the development of therapies for neuropathic corneal pain and inflammatory eye diseases.
- Strategic Continuity: Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D. transitions to Chief Development Officer while remaining on the Board, ensuring continuity in the company's strategic direction and providing support for Dempsey's leadership.
- Drug Development Potential: Dempsey's successful commercialization of Xiidra® and Restasis®, two blockbuster dry eye therapies, will provide invaluable experience for advancing OKYO's lead asset, urcosimod, towards becoming the first treatment for neuropathic corneal pain.
- Clinical Trial Progress: OKYO recently completed a successful Phase 2 trial of urcosimod for NCP and plans to initiate a larger multicenter trial in Q1 2026, further validating its efficacy and expanding market impact.
See More
OKYO Pharma Appoints New CEO to Drive Drug Development
- Leadership Transition: OKYO Pharma appoints Robert J. Dempsey as CEO, bringing over 20 years of experience in ophthalmology, including the successful commercialization of Xiidra®, which is expected to accelerate the company's progress in treating neuropathic corneal pain.
- Strategic Continuity: Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D. transitions to Chief Development Officer while remaining on the Board, ensuring continuity in the company's strategic direction and leveraging Dempsey's extensive experience to advance urcosimod's development.
- Clinical Trial Progress: OKYO recently completed a Phase 2 trial for urcosimod targeting neuropathic corneal pain, showing positive pain reduction data that lays the groundwork for a larger multicenter trial planned to start in Q1 2026.
- Market Opportunity: Dempsey's appointment is viewed as a pivotal milestone for the company, aiming to leverage his successful experience in ophthalmic drug development to capture market opportunities in treating neuropathic corneal pain and inflammatory eye diseases.
See More
OKYO Pharma to Present Urcosimod Data at ASCRS Meeting
- Key Conference Presentation: OKYO Pharma's lead candidate urcosimod has been accepted for presentation at the 2026 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting, highlighting its potential in treating neuropathic corneal pain and likely attracting significant attention from ophthalmology experts.
- Clinical Trial Results: Urcosimod demonstrated significant pain reduction and improvements in corneal nerve health in a recently completed Phase 2 trial, providing robust clinical data that may enhance its acceptance and usage in the market.
- Future Research Plans: The company plans to initiate a 150-patient Phase 2b/3 multiple-dose study in the first half of 2026 to further validate urcosimod's efficacy, paving the way for commercialization and addressing the urgent market need for effective treatments.
- FDA Fast Track Designation: Urcosimod has received FDA fast track designation as the first IND drug for neuropathic corneal pain, showcasing its innovation in the treatment space and potential for significant commercial opportunities for the company.
See More
OKYO Pharma Achieves Successful FDA Meeting on Urcosimod
- FDA Meeting Outcomes: OKYO Pharma's Type C meeting with the FDA confirmed the clinical development plan for urcosimod in treating neuropathic corneal pain, with the FDA recognizing a ≥2-point improvement on the VAS scale as a meaningful treatment effect, indicating significant market potential for the drug.
- Statistical Guidance Support: The FDA provided guidance on the statistical analysis plan, emphasizing that if finalized before unmasking and results are strong, it could provide substantial evidence of effectiveness at a future End-of-Phase 2b/3 meeting, thereby de-risking the clinical trial pathway.
- Study Design Endorsement: The FDA endorsed the study design, sample size, and powering assumptions for urcosimod, and agreed that the Ocular Pain Assessment Survey is appropriate as supportive quality-of-life evidence, further enhancing the credibility of the clinical trial.
- Future Research Plans: OKYO plans to initiate a 120-patient Phase 2b/3 multiple-dose study in the first half of 2026, aiming to address the significant unmet medical need in neuropathic corneal pain treatment, thereby advancing the company's strategic development in the biopharmaceutical sector.
See More
OKYO Pharma (OKYO) Receives FDA Approval for Expanded Access of Urcosimod
- FDA Approval for Expanded Use: OKYO Pharma has received FDA authorization for expanded access to Urcosimod 0.05% for a single patient suffering from severe neuropathic corneal pain, addressing a significant gap in effective treatments in this area.
- Urgent Clinical Need: The request for expanded access was made for a patient with debilitating symptoms and no effective treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for therapies in neuropathic corneal pain, which could present new market opportunities for OKYO.
- Drug Mechanism Advantage: Urcosimod's dual mechanism targeting both inflammatory pathways and nerve-related pain signaling supports its evaluation in this patient population, potentially enhancing its clinical applicability and market acceptance.
- Future Research Plans: OKYO plans to initiate a 120-patient Phase 2b/3 multiple-dose study later this year to further validate Urcosimod's efficacy, which, if successful, will lay a solid foundation for the company's future growth.
See More
OKYO Pharma Appoints Robert Dempsey as CEO to Drive Growth
- Leadership Change: OKYO Pharma has appointed Robert Dempsey as CEO, succeeding Gary Jacob, who transitions to Chief Development Officer while remaining on the board, aiming to drive the company's next phase of growth through new leadership.
- Industry Experience: Dempsey brings over 20 years of global ophthalmology experience, having previously served as Group Vice President and Head of Global Ophthalmology at Shire, which is expected to provide strategic advantages to the company.
- Focus on Key Asset: The new CEO will concentrate on advancing the company's lead asset, urcosimod, for treating neuropathic corneal pain and other ocular inflammatory diseases, potentially opening new market opportunities for the firm.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the leadership change announcement, OKYO Pharma's stock rose 7.21% on Nasdaq, closing at $2.2300, reflecting investor confidence in the new leadership and optimism about the company's future development.
See More
OKYO Pharma Appoints Dempsey as CEO to Drive New Drug Development
- Leadership Transition: Robert J. Dempsey assumes the role of CEO at OKYO Pharma immediately, bringing over 20 years of global ophthalmology experience, which is expected to drive innovation in the development of therapies for neuropathic corneal pain and inflammatory eye diseases.
- Strategic Continuity: Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D. transitions to Chief Development Officer while remaining on the Board, ensuring continuity in the company's strategic direction and providing support for Dempsey's leadership.
- Drug Development Potential: Dempsey's successful commercialization of Xiidra® and Restasis®, two blockbuster dry eye therapies, will provide invaluable experience for advancing OKYO's lead asset, urcosimod, towards becoming the first treatment for neuropathic corneal pain.
- Clinical Trial Progress: OKYO recently completed a successful Phase 2 trial of urcosimod for NCP and plans to initiate a larger multicenter trial in Q1 2026, further validating its efficacy and expanding market impact.
See More
OKYO Pharma Appoints New CEO to Drive Drug Development
- Leadership Transition: OKYO Pharma appoints Robert J. Dempsey as CEO, bringing over 20 years of experience in ophthalmology, including the successful commercialization of Xiidra®, which is expected to accelerate the company's progress in treating neuropathic corneal pain.
- Strategic Continuity: Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D. transitions to Chief Development Officer while remaining on the Board, ensuring continuity in the company's strategic direction and leveraging Dempsey's extensive experience to advance urcosimod's development.
- Clinical Trial Progress: OKYO recently completed a Phase 2 trial for urcosimod targeting neuropathic corneal pain, showing positive pain reduction data that lays the groundwork for a larger multicenter trial planned to start in Q1 2026.
- Market Opportunity: Dempsey's appointment is viewed as a pivotal milestone for the company, aiming to leverage his successful experience in ophthalmic drug development to capture market opportunities in treating neuropathic corneal pain and inflammatory eye diseases.
See More
