OKYO Pharma Receives $1.9 Million in Non-Dilutive Funding to Accelerate Development of Urcosimod for Neuropathic Corneal Pain
MWN-AI** Summary
OKYO Pharma Limited (NASDAQ: OKYO), an ophthalmology-focused biotech company, has successfully secured $1.9 million in non-dilutive funding aimed at expediting the development of its lead drug candidate, urcosimod, for treating neuropathic corneal pain (NCP). This condition, characterized by chronic and severe nerve-related pain in the eye, currently lacks FDA-approved therapies, making this funding a significant milestone for the company.
The non-dilutive nature of this capital enables OKYO Pharma to advance its research and development initiatives without affecting shareholder equity, a strategy that CEO Gary S. Jacob, PhD, commended as a way to propel innovation and improve patient outcomes. The funding will specifically focus on achieving critical clinical milestones and boosting R&D efforts for urcosimod, which has shown promise in reducing pain and inflammation in preclinical models.
Urcosimod, previously known as OK-101, targets the ChemR23 G-protein coupled receptor found in immune cells and neurons in the eye. Developed using a proprietary membrane-anchored peptide technology, this drug candidate aims to have a lasting impact on ocular health by utilizing a lipid anchor to enhance efficacy. Following positive results from a Phase 2 trial for dry eye disease, OKYO recently completed another Phase 2 trial assessing urcosimod’s effectiveness for NCP patients.
As a clinical stage biopharmaceutical firm, OKYO Pharma remains dedicated to addressing significant unmet medical needs in ocular health. The recent funding marks a vital step towards advancing treatments that can better the lives of patients suffering from neuropathic corneal pain, reinforcing the company's commitment to innovation and fiscal responsibility. For more information, visit www.okyopharma.com.
MWN-AI** Analysis
OKYO Pharma Limited (NASDAQ: OKYO) has recently secured $1.9 million in non-dilutive funding to accelerate the development of its lead candidate, urcosimod, aimed at treating neuropathic corneal pain (NCP). This financial infusion marks a significant milestone for the company, providing essential resources to further clinical research without diluting existing shareholder equity.
Investors should view this development as a positive signal about OKYO’s ability to advance its projects while maintaining fiscal responsibility. NCP is a condition with substantial unmet medical needs, making urcosimod a potential game-changer in a market void of FDA-approved treatments. The relative lack of therapeutic options highlights the market opportunity for OKYO if urcosimod successfully progresses through clinical development.
Furthermore, the non-dilutive funding allows OKYO to focus solely on enhancing its research and development efforts. The funds will be allocated towards reaching key clinical milestones and building traction in its regulatory pathway, which could lead to a faster route to market. With the completion of a second Phase 2 trial showing promise, investors may speculate around the potential for mid-stage pipeline success translating into increased market valuation.
Moreover, considering the absence of competitive products and the clear medical need, successful commercialization could lead to robust demand for urcosimod among healthcare providers and patients alike.
In summary, while volatility is inherent in biotech investments, the recent non-dilutive funding positions OKYO Pharma favorably as it seeks to address a critical healthcare need. Investors should monitor upcoming clinical trial results and the company’s ability to navigate regulatory requirements, as these will be pivotal in determining future stock performance. Holding positions in OKYO could be fruitful, particularly if urcosimod continues to demonstrate clinical viability and market potential.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
LONDON and NEW YORK, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OKYO Pharma Limited (NASDAQ: OKYO ), an ophthalmology-focused bio-pharmaceutical company which is developing urcosimod to treat neuropathic corneal pain (NCP), an ocular condition associated with chronic and often severe nerve-related pain but without an FDA-approved therapy, today announced it has received $1.9 million in non-dilutive funding to support its ongoing research and development programs. The funding will specifically accelerate the clinical development of urcosimod, OKYO’s lead drug candidate for the treatment of Neuropathic Corneal Pain (NCP) — a severely debilitating ocular condition with no FDA-approved treatments.
This non-dilutive capital strengthens OKYO Pharma’s ability to execute on its development strategy without impacting existing shareholder equity. The funds will be used to advance key clinical milestones, expand R&D efforts, and build momentum behind urcosimod’s regulatory pathway.
“This non-dilutive funding is a significant milestone for OKYO Pharma and allows the company to drive innovation and accelerate solutions that could improve patient outcomes,” said Gary S. Jacob, PhD, CEO of OKYO Pharma. “Neuropathic Corneal Pain is a devastating and underdiagnosed condition with no approved therapies. These funds allow us to aggressively pursue our mission of bringing urcosimod to patients who desperately need relief, without diluting shareholder value. It’s an exciting step forward for our company and for the field of ocular pain treatment.”
The infusion of non-dilutive funding underscores OKYO Pharma’s commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while pursuing transformative therapies that address critical unmet medical needs.
About NCP
Neuropathic corneal pain is a condition that causes severe pain and sensitivity of the eyes, face, or head. The exact cause of neuropathic corneal pain is unknown but is thought to result from nerve damage to the cornea combined with inflammation . Neuropathic corneal pain, which can exhibit as a severe, chronic, debilitating condition in patients suffering from a host of ophthalmic conditions, is presently treated by various topical and systemic treatments in an off-label fashion. Notably, there is no FDA approved drug to treat this debilitating condition.
About Urcosimod (Formerly called OK-101)
Urcosimod is a lipid conjugated chemerin peptide agonist of the ChemR23 G-protein coupled receptor which is typically found on immune cells of the eye responsible for the inflammatory response, as well as on neurons and glial cells in the dorsal root ganglion. Urcosimod was developed using a membrane-anchored-peptide technology to produce a novel long-acting drug candidate for treating ocular diseases. Urcosimod has been shown to produce anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing activities in mouse models of dry eye disease and corneal neuropathic pain, respectively, and is designed to combat washout through the inclusion of the lipid anchor built into the drug molecule to potentially enhance the efficacy of urcosimod within the ocular environment. Urcosimod showed clear statistical significance in multiple endpoints in a 240-patient completed Phase 2, multi-center, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial to treat dry eye disease, and just completed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked Phase 2 trial of urcosimod to treat neuropathic corneal pain.
About OKYO
OKYO Pharma Limited (NASDAQ: OKYO) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of neuropathic corneal pain and dry eye disease, 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 dry eye disease. A Phase 2 trial of urcosimod to treat neuropathic corneal pain patients was just completed by OKYO.
For further information, please visit www.okyopharma.com .
Inquiries:
| OKYO Pharma Limited | Gary S. Jacob, Chief Executive Officer | 917-497-7560 |
| Business Development & Investor Relations | Paul Spencer | +44 (0)20 7495 2379 |
FAQ**
How has the non-dilutive funding announcement from OKYO Pharma Limited OKYO impacted investor sentiment in the biopharmaceutical sector, particularly for ophthalmology-focused companies in London and New York?
What are the potential market implications for OKYO Pharma Limited OKYO's urcosimod in treating neuropathic corneal pain as it moves closer to possible regulatory approval in both the US and UK?
How do the strategies of OKYO Pharma Limited OKYO in securing non-dilutive funding compare to other biopharmaceutical companies in New York and London pursuing similar therapies?
What role do you think OKYO Pharma Limited OKYO’s advancements in treating neuropathic corneal pain will play in the broader landscape of ocular pain management innovations emerging from both London and New York?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about OKYO Pharma Limited (NASDAQ: OKYO).
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