OKYO Pharma has secured acceptance for an abstract presentation at the ARVO 2026 Annual Meeting in Denver, showcasing clinical data for urcosimod, a non-opioid topical therapy targeting neuropathic corneal pain (NCP). The Phase 2a trial results demonstrated clinically meaningful reductions in pain symptoms alongside measurable improvements in patient quality-of-life metrics, with preliminary evidence suggesting the candidate may facilitate restoration of corneal nerve structure in affected patients.
The company plans to advance the therapeutic candidate into a larger Phase 2b/3 pivotal trial, anticipated to enroll approximately 150 patients beginning in the first half of 2026. This expanded trial will further evaluate urcosimod's efficacy and safety profile in a broader patient population, representing a significant milestone in the development of non-opioid pain management options for ophthalmology. The ARVO presentation will provide the global ophthalmology community with detailed Phase 2a outcomes ahead of the expanded clinical program.
Neuropathic corneal pain represents a clinically challenging condition with limited treatment options, making the advancement of novel non-opioid therapeutics a notable development in the field. OKYO Pharma's progression toward larger-scale studies underscores ongoing industry focus on addressing unmet needs in ocular pain management.