OKYO Pharma’s Urcosimod Shows Promising Pain Reduction in Neuropathic Corneal Pain Trial

OKYO Pharma announced positive top-line results from its Phase II trial evaluating urcosimod (formerly OK-101) for neuropathic corneal pain (NCP). The randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled study was led by Dr. Pedram Hamrah at Tufts Medical Center. In the per-protocol group, 0.05% urcosimod reduced pain scores by an average of 5.5 over 12 weeks, compared to 2.75 with placebo—a 2.75-point difference. Notably, 75% of urcosimod-treated patients experienced over 80% pain reduction. Improvement began as early as week four. In the intent-to-treat analysis, 67% of urcosimod patients reported over 50% pain relief versus 33% with placebo. The mean pain reduction was 4.2 with urcosimod, compared to 2.5 with placebo. A Cohen-d value above 1.2 indicated a substantial treatment effect. Although the trial was initially designed for 48 participants, it was closed early after 17 completions to enable faster data analysis. NCP is characterised by severe eye, facial, and head pain, with limited treatment options.

22-07-2025