LONDON and NEW YORK — January 5, 2026 — Leads & Copy — Robert J. Dempsey has been named Chief Executive Officer of OKYO Pharma Limited (NASDAQ: OKYO), effective immediately. Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D., will transition to Chief Development Officer and remain on the Board of Directors.
OKYO Pharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, develops therapies for neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) and inflammatory eye diseases.
Dempsey brings over two decades of global ophthalmology experience, including drug development and commercialization. He previously served as Group Vice President and Head of Global Ophthalmology at Shire, prior to its acquisition by Takeda. At Shire, he led the divestiture of Xiidra® (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% to Novartis in 2019 for $3.4 billion upfront and up to $1.9 billion in potential milestone payments. Xiidra® was the first FDA-approved therapy for both the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.
Dempsey also led the launch of Xiidra® and brings expertise across ocular surface disease indications, including oversight for Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05%. He has served as a CEO and independent director across multiple ophthalmic companies.
According to Gabriele Cerrone, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dempsey’s experience in commercializing Xiidra® and Restasis® will help advance urcosimod, OKYO’s lead asset, for neuropathic corneal pain.
Dempsey said he is honored to lead OKYO Pharma and leverage his experience to accelerate urcosimod and broaden the company’s strategic potential.
Dr. Jacob said Robert’s appointment as CEO is a seminal event for OKYO Pharma. He also said Robert’s record of success in the ophthalmic field will be invaluable as they move forward with further development of urcosimod to treat NCP and other potential indications.
The Board of Directors has unanimously approved the transition, which is effective immediately.
Urcosimod, formerly called OK-101, is a lipid conjugated chemerin peptide agonist of the ChemR23 G-protein coupled receptor. OKYO recently completed a successful phase 2 trial of its flagship drug urcosimod in patients with NCP and is currently planning a second larger, multicenter trial of urcosimod in NCP patients that is planned to start in Q1 2026.
NCP is a condition that causes severe pain and sensitivity of the eyes, face, or head.
Paul Spencer, Business Development, and Investor Relations, +44 (0) 207 495 2379, Email: info@okyopharma.com
Source: OKYO Pharma
