Okyo appoints Robert J. Dempsey as CEO
January 06, 2026
1 min learn
Key takeaways:
- Dempsey has greater than 20 years of expertise in world ophthalmology.
- The transfer will help Okyo’s strategic course because it advances urcosimod.
Okyo Pharma appointed Robert J. Dempsey to function the corporate’s subsequent CEO, in line with a press launch.
Dempsey has greater than 20 years of expertise in world ophthalmology and has held management roles at a number of corporations. As group vice chairman and head of world ophthalmology at Shire, Dempsey led the launch of Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic answer 5%, Bausch + Lomb) and its eventual sale to Novartis in 2019, in line with the discharge.
Dempsey has greater than 20 years of expertise in world ophthalmology.
Okyo mentioned the transfer will help the corporate’s strategic course because it advances urcosimod for the therapy of neuropathic corneal ache and ocular inflammatory issues. Urcosimod, previously referred to as OK-101, obtained quick observe designation from the FDA in Might 2025.
In a part 2 trial, urcosimod demonstrated ache discount in sufferers with neuropathic corneal ache in contrast with placebo.
Okyo’s earlier CEO, Gary S. Jacob, PhD, will stay with the corporate as chief growth officer and a member of the board of administrators, in line with the discharge.
Robert J. Dempsey
Dempsey advised Healio {that a} focused remedy for neuropathic corneal ache could present sufferers with significant ache aid and improved high quality of life.
“Over the subsequent 12 months, our focus is on disciplined medical execution of our part 2b examine and producing information that helps outline the event path ahead,” he mentioned. “Long term, we goal to ascertain Okyo as a pacesetter in neuropathic corneal ache and advance a remedy that may make an actual distinction for sufferers.”
Sources/Disclosures
Supply:
Disclosures:
Dempsey stories being an worker of Okyo Pharma.
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