- In April 2025, OKYO Pharma was granted Fast Track designation by the FDA for urcosimod (formerly OK-101) for the treatment of neuropathic corneal pain (NCP). This designation is a significant step, as it allows for more frequent communication with the FDA and potentially an expedited review process. Urcosimod, a lipid conjugated chemerin peptide agonist, targets immune and neuronal cells involved in the inflammatory response and pain transmission
- In February 2024, OKYO Pharma received FDA approval for an Investigational New Drug (IND) for OK-101, marking a significant milestone as the first such clearance for a drug specifically targeting neuropathic corneal pain (NCP), an orphan disease. OK-101 is designed to address the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of NCP, aiming to provide more effective and targeted relief. This development underscores the growing focus on novel drug candidates for this often-misunderstood condition
- In February 2024, Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. collaborated with AffaMed Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, to launch DEXTENZA, a U.S. FDA-approved product for the management of ocular pain, in Greater China, South Korea, and the ASEAN region. This collaboration highlights efforts to expand the reach of approved therapies and address ocular pain in diverse global markets
- In July 2022, AbbVie reportedly invested over USD 2 billion in ocular research, emphasizing its commitment to addressing unmet needs in eye care, including chronic ocular pain. This substantial investment from a major pharmaceutical company signals a strong belief in the market's potential and a push for more effective solutions
- In January 2021, IACTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. launched the world's first epithelial protective drug harnessing endogenous analgesia, a novel class of non-opioid compounds, for the treatment of acute and chronic ocular pain. This innovation reflects a trend towards developing alternative pain management strategies with potentially fewer side effects than traditional options
