OKYO Pharma Ltd (NASDAQ:OKYO) earlier this week announced the appointment of Dr. Marta Sacchetti to its scientific advisory board as the company advances development of its lead ophthalmic candidate targeting neuropathic corneal pain.
Speaking with Proactive, CEO Robert Dempsey said Sacchetti’s combination of clinical, academic and industry expertise would strengthen the company’s position as it progresses its clinical plans in the United States and Europe.
Dempsey described neuropathic corneal pain as a “severe, debilitating condition” that remains significantly under researched and currently has no FDA-approved treatment options. He said OKYO Pharma is seeking to pioneer a new ocular therapeutic category through its lead candidate Urcosimod.
The company’s lead program is a non-opioid, preservative-free eye drop designed to provide both pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits. Dempsey said the therapy is intended for patients suffering from chronic neuropathic corneal pain, an area of significant unmet medical need.
According to Dempsey, Sacchetti’s appointment adds substantial expertise in nerve diseases affecting the cornea. He noted that her experience extends beyond academia into industry and regulatory processes, which could help support operational execution as the program advances.
Dempsey also indicated that the appointment supports the company’s broader strategic expansion into Europe. While the company remains focused on the US market, he said OKYO Pharma is evaluating clinical opportunities across several European countries including Italy, France and Spain.
Potential near-term catalysts for investors include completion of protocol finalisation, site identification and study activation activities.
Dempsey said the company expects to achieve first patient first visit milestones within the next three to six months as the clinical program progresses.
He added that the management team remains “laser focus on moving our clinical program forward” as the company works to expand the study footprint across both US and European clinical sites.
The latest advisory board appointment comes as OKYO Pharma continues positioning itself within a market segment where approved therapies remain unavailable, potentially creating a significant opportunity if clinical development progresses successfully.