OKYO Pharma Announces New Data Showing Favorable Corneal Nerve Outcomes in Phase 2 Study for Neuropathic Corneal Pain

Core Insights - OKYO Pharma Limited has announced positive results from a Phase 2 clinical trial of urcosimod for treating neuropathic corneal pain, showing both pain reduction and improvements in corneal nerve structure [1][2][3] Company Overview - OKYO Pharma Limited is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for neuropathic corneal pain, with its shares traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market [7] - The company recently completed a successful Phase 2 trial of urcosimod and is planning a larger multicenter trial set to begin in Q1 2026 [7] Clinical Trial Results - In the Phase 2 trial, patients treated with 0.05% urcosimod exhibited a median increase in total nerve fiber count of +2.0 (n/0.16 mm²) and total nerve fiber length of +2.6 mm/mm², compared to decreases in the placebo group [2] - The trial involved 18 patients and demonstrated statistically significant improvements in nerve health, suggesting urcosimod's potential for corneal nerve restoration [2][3] Mechanism of Action - Urcosimod is a lipid-conjugated chemerin peptide agonist targeting the ChemR23 receptor, which is involved in the inflammatory response and nerve function [5] - The drug has shown anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects in preclinical models, indicating its promise as a first-in-class treatment for neuropathic corneal pain [5][6] Condition Overview - Neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) is a severe ocular condition characterized by debilitating pain and sensitivity, currently lacking an FDA-approved treatment [4] - Existing treatments for NCP have limited success, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic options like urcosimod [4]