OKYO Pharma Insider Bets Big on Pain Relief: Urcosimod Shows Promise in Corneal Disease

NEW YORK, NY – November 21, 2025 – OKYO Pharma Limited (NASDAQ: OKYO) is drawing increased attention after its Executive Chairman and Founder, Gabriele Cerrone, further increased his personal investment in the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. Through Panetta Partners Limited, Cerrone acquired 82,018 shares of OKYO stock, bringing his total holdings to 10,464,695 shares. This substantial increase in insider ownership comes as the company progresses with its lead drug candidate, Urcosimod, aimed at addressing the significant unmet need in neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) and dry eye disease (DED).

Signal of Confidence or Calculated Risk?

Cerrone’s move is being interpreted by market analysts as a strong vote of confidence in OKYO Pharma’s future prospects, particularly in light of recent positive Phase 2 trial results for Urcosimod. “Insider buying of this magnitude rarely happens without a solid conviction in the company’s technology and pipeline,” noted one industry observer. While the precise financial details of the purchase haven’t been disclosed, the move signals that the founder is “putting his money where his mouth is,” adding to a recent surge in the stock price. However, caution remains as biotech investing inherently carries risk, and clinical success doesn’t always translate to commercial viability.

Urcosimod: Targeting Unmet Needs in Pain Relief

Urcosimod, formerly known as OK-101, is a lipid-conjugated chemerin peptide agonist of the ChemR23 receptor. The company's unique approach aims to address pain and inflammation at the source, offering a potentially novel treatment option for patients suffering from NCP and DED. The completed Phase 2 trials for both indications have shown promising results. For NCP, a particularly debilitating condition with no currently approved therapies, Urcosimod demonstrated significant pain reduction in a majority of patients. A recent analysis showed that 75% of patients experienced greater than an 80% reduction in pain after 12 weeks of treatment. Similarly, in trials focused on DED, the drug demonstrated improvements in both symptoms and signs, with statistically significant results as early as 15 days.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

While the early data is encouraging, OKYO Pharma isn’t operating in a vacuum. The dry eye disease market is already crowded with established players and emerging therapies. Companies like AbbVie, Novartis, and Alcon dominate the space, and newer entrants are continually vying for market share. However, OKYO Pharma believes Urcosimod's unique mechanism of action and targeted approach could differentiate it from existing treatments, particularly for patients experiencing significant pain.

The NCP market is less crowded but presents its own challenges. Several companies, including Mallinckrodt and Orphazyme, are also developing therapies for the condition. However, OKYO Pharma is currently the only company to have completed a clinical trial specifically targeting NCP, giving it a potential first-mover advantage. One analyst commented, “The lack of approved treatments for NCP creates a significant opportunity for OKYO Pharma, assuming they can successfully navigate the regulatory process and demonstrate long-term efficacy and safety.”

Looking Ahead: FDA Discussions and Potential Breakthroughs

OKYO Pharma is now preparing to meet with the FDA to discuss the results of the Phase 2 trials and map out a path forward for potential regulatory approval. The company has already been granted Fast Track designation for Urcosimod, which could expedite the review process. While there are no guarantees, industry experts believe the positive trial data and unmet medical need could significantly increase the likelihood of success. “The combination of a promising drug candidate, positive clinical data, and a clear path to market is a powerful combination,” said one observer. The company plans to begin further studies if FDA approval is granted. “We believe Urcosimod has the potential to transform the lives of millions of patients suffering from chronic pain,” added another source.