OKYO Pharma Announces Transition of At-The-Market Equity Offering Facility to Leerink Partners
MWN-AI** Summary
OKYO Pharma Limited (Nasdaq: OKYO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on innovation in therapies for neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) and inflammatory eye diseases, has announced the transition of its At-The-Market (ATM) equity offering facility to Leerink Partners LLC. This strategic decision, made public on February 11, 2026, replaces its previous partnership with B. Riley Securities Inc. With Leerink Partners, known for its healthcare expertise and strong investor connections, OKYO aims to enhance its financial flexibility and access capital markets effectively.
The ATM facility allows OKYO Pharma to sell common shares directly into the market opportunistically, leveraging prevailing prices and market conditions without the need for a fixed equity raise. CFO Keeren Shah expressed enthusiasm about the transition, emphasizing the importance of Leerink’s deep sector knowledge and execution capability in advancing the company’s leading candidate, urcosimod, for NCP. OKYO has previously completed a successful Phase 2 trial for urcosimod and has plans to initiate a Phase 2b/3 multiple-dose study involving approximately 150 subjects in the near future.
Under this agreement, Leerink Partners will act as the exclusive sales agent and will receive a 3.0% commission on gross proceeds from any shares sold under the program, which will adhere to the regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The announcement includes a reminder that it does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit offers to buy securities in jurisdictions where such actions would be unlawful.
As OKYO Pharma continues to progress its clinical pipeline, the transition to Leerink Partners as the sales agent for its ATM facility marks a significant step forward in strengthening its capital-raising capabilities. For further information, the company invites inquiries through its investor relations contacts.
MWN-AI** Analysis
OKYO Pharma Limited's recent transition of its At-The-Market (ATM) equity offering facility to Leerink Partners signals a strategic enhancement in its financial operations, particularly as it advances its development pipeline, including the promising urcosimod for neuropathic corneal pain. With Leerink's extensive expertise in the healthcare sector, this partnership is set to improve OKYO's positioning in the capital markets, allowing for more efficient and opportunistic fundraising while minimizing potential market disruptions.
For investors, this development presents several key considerations. First, the ability of OKYO to raise capital at prevailing market prices, rather than committing to a fixed equity raise, bodes well for maintaining investor confidence and limiting dilution for existing shareholders. This flexibility is crucial in turbulent markets, enabling the company to respond dynamically to its funding needs in line with the clinical trial timelines and other corporate objectives.
Second, the successful completion of the Phase 2 trial of urcosimod adds a layer of credibility and potential growth to OKYO's profile. Given the increasing focus on innovative therapies for ocular diseases, the company's pipeline could attract heightened investor interest, especially as it prepares for a Phase 2b/3 multiple-dose study.
However, potential investors should remain cautious and consider the inherent risks associated with biopharmaceutical development, including regulatory challenges and market competition. The forward-looking statements in the announcement underscore the uncertainties ahead, as outcomes of ongoing clinical trials can significantly impact stock performance.
In conclusion, while the transition to Leerink Partners as the sales agent enhances financial flexibility and opportunity for OKYO Pharma, investors should weigh these positives against the sector's volatility and the company’s reliance on the successful progression of its drug candidates. For those looking to engage with OKYO, it may be prudent to adopt a watchful approach, monitoring upcoming trials and market conditions closely.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
LONDON and NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OKYO Pharma Limited (Nasdaq: OKYO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing investigational therapies for the treatment of neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) and for inflammatory eye diseases, today announced that it has transitioned its At-The-Market (ATM) equity offering facility to Leerink Partners LLC, a leading healthcare-focused investment bank as the sales agent, replacing its previous ATM facility with B. Riley Securities Inc. This strategic move allows OKYO Pharma to continue accessing the capital markets efficiently through an ATM program, enabling the sale of common shares directly into the market from time to time, at prevailing market prices, subject to market conditions and the Company's discretion.
"We are excited to partner with Leerink Partners to establish this new ATM facility," said Keeren Shah, Chief Financial Officer of OKYO Pharma. "Leerink's deep expertise in the biotech sector, proven track record in executing ATM programs, and strong relationships in the investor community make them an ideal partner as we advance our pipeline, including our lead candidate urcosimod for neuropathic corneal pain. This transition enhances our financial flexibility to support ongoing clinical development and corporate objectives without committing to a fixed equity raise."
The ATM facility provides OKYO Pharma the ability to raise capital opportunistically while minimizing market disruption. Sales under the program, if any, will be made pursuant to a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Leerink Partners will act as the exclusive sales agent and receive a commission equal to 3.0% of gross proceeds from any shares sold.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About OKYO Pharma
OKYO Pharma Limited (Nasdaq: OKYO) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) and inflammatory eye diseases, with ordinary shares listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market. OKYO is focused on the discovery and development of novel molecules to treat neuropathic corneal pain and other ocular diseases. OKYO recently completed a successful phase 2 trial of its flagship drug urcosimod in patients with NCP and plans to initiate a ~150 subject Phase 2b/3 multiple-dose study of urcosimod to treat NCP in the first half of this year.
For further information, please visit www.okyopharma.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates, and projections about its industry, its beliefs, and assumptions. Words such as ‘anticipates,’ ‘expects,’ ‘intends,’ ‘plans,’ ‘believes,’ ‘seeks,’ ‘estimates,’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, are difficult to predict, and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. These and additional risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the company’s filings with the SEC, including those factors identified as “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. The company cautions security holders and prospective security holders not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the view of the company only as of the date of this announcement. The forward-looking statements made in this announcement relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. The company will not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions or updates to these forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.
For further inquiries:
OKYO Pharma Ltd
Paul Spencer, Business Development, and Investor Relations
+44 (0) 207 495 2379
Email: info@okyopharma.com
FAQ**
How does the transition of OKYO Pharma Limited (OKYO) to Leerink Partners LLC for its ATM facility impact its financial strategies in London and New York markets?
What are the potential implications for OKYO Pharma Limited (OKYO) as it seeks to enhance its capital-raising efforts through this new ATM facility in both London and New York?
How do the ongoing clinical developments of OKYO Pharma Limited (OKYO), including the phase 2b/3 study of urcosimod, affect investor interest in the London and New York exchanges?
In what ways might the partnership between OKYO Pharma Limited (OKYO) and Leerink Partners LLC influence market perception of biotech investments in London compared to New York?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about OKYO Pharma Limited (NASDAQ: OKYO).
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