Core Viewpoint - OKYO Pharma Limited announces the appointment of Robert J. Dempsey as Chief Executive Officer, transitioning Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D. to Chief Development Officer, to ensure continuity and advance the company's strategic direction in developing therapies for neuropathic corneal pain and inflammatory eye diseases [1][3][4]. Company Overview - OKYO Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative therapies for neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) and inflammatory eye diseases, with shares traded on NASDAQ [15]. - The company has recently completed a successful Phase 2 trial of its lead drug, urcosimod, in patients with NCP and is planning a larger multicenter trial set to begin in Q1 2026 [15]. Leadership Transition - Robert J. Dempsey brings over 20 years of global ophthalmology experience, including significant roles in drug development and commercialization, previously serving as Group Vice President and Head of Global Ophthalmology at Shire [2][5]. - Dempsey's experience includes leading the commercialization of Xiidra, a top-selling dry eye treatment, and he is expected to leverage this expertise to advance urcosimod [2][4][7]. - Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D. has been recognized for his leadership in shaping OKYO's clinical strategy and will continue to support the company as Chief Development Officer and Board member [4][13]. Product Focus - Urcosimod, the company's lead asset, is a lipid conjugated chemerin peptide agonist that has shown anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects in preclinical models [10]. - The drug has demonstrated statistical significance in multiple endpoints in a Phase 2 trial for dry eye disease and has recently shown positive data for pain reduction in NCP patients [14]. Market Context - Neuropathic corneal pain is a severe condition currently lacking FDA-approved therapies, with existing treatments providing limited success [9]. - The transition in leadership and the focus on advancing urcosimod position OKYO Pharma to address significant unmet needs in this market [3][4].