OKYO Pharma Announces Plans to Accelerate the Clinical Development of Urcosimod to Treat Neuropathic Corneal Pain

Core Viewpoint - OKYO Pharma Limited is accelerating the clinical development of urcosimod for treating neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) following the early closure of its Phase 2 trial, which involved 17 patients [1][2][4]. Group 1: Clinical Trial Details - The Phase 2 trial was conducted at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA, and was designed as a double-masked, randomized, 12-week placebo-controlled study [2][6][8]. - The trial was closed early to access masked data and plan for an expanded multicenter trial, as significant interest has been shown by potential patients [2][4]. - A total of 48 patients were initially planned for enrollment, with NCP confirmed via confocal microscopy [6]. Group 2: Drug Information - Urcosimod, previously known as OK-101, is a lipid-conjugated chemerin peptide agonist targeting the ChemR23 receptor, involved in the inflammatory response and pain [7]. - The drug has demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability in a previous Phase 2 trial involving 240 patients [4][7]. - Urcosimod has shown anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects in preclinical models and is designed to enhance its residence time in the ocular environment [7]. Group 3: Future Plans - The company plans to analyze the efficacy data from the 17 patients who completed the trial and aims to meet with the FDA to discuss further development [4][8]. - There is a strong interest from patients for continued compassionate use of urcosimod, which the company is seeking to arrange [3].