OKYO Pharma Limited has announced a pivotal Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) meeting during the 2026 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting, where leading ophthalmology experts will evaluate clinical data for urcosimod, its investigational therapy for neuropathic corneal pain (NCP). This meeting, alongside a presentation by Dr. Pedram Hamrah on the Phase 2 study results, signifies a critical juncture for OKYO as it refines its clinical strategy for urcosimod, which has already shown promising efficacy and safety signals.

The significance of this development lies in urcosimod being the first investigational therapy to receive an IND specifically for NCP, a condition currently lacking FDA-approved treatments. NCP is characterized by debilitating eye pain and sensitivity, often resulting from corneal nerve damage and inflammation. The positive outcomes from earlier trials, including a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial that demonstrated statistical significance across multiple endpoints, underscore urcosimod’s potential to address a substantial unmet medical need in ocular pain management.

The takeaway from this initiative is the potential acceleration of urcosimod’s clinical development timeline, as the SAB’s insights could refine the design of upcoming trials. With plans for a 150-patient Phase 2b/3 study set to commence in the first half of 2026, this strategic engagement with key opinion leaders may enhance the drug’s therapeutic profile and expedite its path to market, ultimately improving treatment options for patients suffering from NCP.

Source: globenewswire.com