OKYO Pharma announced on February 10, 2026, the appointment of Flavio Mantelli, MD, PhD, as Chief Medical Officer to lead clinical and regulatory strategy for urcosimod in neuropathic corneal pain (NCP).
Dr. Mantelli previously served as CMO at Dompé, where he led the clinical development, FDA approval, and global strategy for Oxervate®, a blockbuster orphan drug with over $1 billion in sales in 2024.
Urcosimod has FDA Fast Track designation for NCP, with a planned ~150-subject Phase 2b/3 multiple-dose study expected to start in H1 2026.
This appointment follows the recent hiring of CEO Robert Dempsey and strengthens OKYO's ophthalmology leadership team.
OKYO Pharma shares rose 10.80% intraday following the announcement.