OKYO Pharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for the treatment of neuropathic corneal pain and inflammatory dry eye disease has filed an application for Fast Track designation with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for urcosimod (formerly known as OK-101).

The company intends to use urcosimod for the treatment of neuropathic corneal pain, which is a debilitating condition affecting many tens of thousands worldwide, and is characterised by chronic, severe eye discomfort for which there is no FDA-approved, effective treatment. This is reportedly a multi-billion-dollar market.

“Fast track was first introduced by the FDA to expedite development and review of drugs to treat serious conditions lacking any FDA-approved drug,” commented Dr Gary Jacob, Chief Executive Officer of OKYO Pharma. “Notably, neuropathic corneal pain falls into this category, and our application for Fast Track designation marks a significant milestone in our commitment to addressing the urgent needs of patients suffering from this type of pain. It is our belief that urcosimod has the potential to redefine the treatment paradigm for individuals grappling with this challenging condition.”

Megan Thomas, Multimedia Editor, DDW