OKYO Pharma: Strengthened Leadership and Promising Urcosimod Data Support Reiterated Buy Rating and Upside Potential

H.C. Wainwright analyst Yi Chen reiterated a Buy rating on OKYO Pharma Limited Sponsored ADR today and set a price target of $7.00.

Yi Chen has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors linked to both leadership and clinical progress at OKYO Pharma. The appointment of Robert J. Dempsey, an experienced ophthalmology executive with a track record of successfully launching major dry eye therapies and building ophthalmic franchises, is seen as a key catalyst that should help advance urcosimod and create additional value for shareholders. The transition of former CEO Gary Jacob to Chief Development Officer ensures continuity on the scientific and development side, supporting execution as the lead asset progresses into its next phase.

Yi Chen also bases his positive stance on encouraging Phase 2 data for urcosimod in neuropathic corneal pain, where patients receiving the drug showed improvements in corneal nerve measures that contrasted with declines in the placebo group. Although these nerve-structure findings are exploratory, their alignment with earlier statistically significant reductions in pain scores strengthens the case that modulating the chemerin receptor pathway may be an effective strategy in an indication with no approved FDA therapies. Taken together, the strengthened management team, promising clinical signals, and differentiated mechanism of action underpin Yi Chen’s decision to reiterate a Buy rating and a valuation target that implies meaningful upside potential from current levels.