30 August 2019 - - UK-based biotechnology company Okyo Pharma Ltd. (LSE: OKYO) is seeing potent anti-inflammatory activity of OK-113, an in-house discovered proprietary agonist of Chemerin GPCR, in an experimental model of DED in mice, the company said.

These preclinical efficacy data, identifying a lead drug candidate, will facilitate initiation of clinical studies for DED treatment in 2020.

Targeting GPCR, a 'Nobel Prize' winning scientific concept, is proven to be an innovative approach for treatment of a wide range of inflammatory diseases, cancers and non-opioid analgesics for management of chronic pain. More than 40% of the drugs available in the global market target GPCR.

Topical treatment, as eye drops, with OK-113 showed potent anti-inflammatory effects to reduce corneal permeability and other symptoms of dry eye in a mouse model of DED.

In these studies, OK-113 was as potent as cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive drug which is the active ingredient of Restasis (Allergan).

These results are consistent with the company's earlier report, which was featured in a 'Late Breaking Poster Presentation' at the 14thCongress on Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

The demonstration of potent anti-inflammatory activity in the mouse model of DED and the results exhibiting absence of local irritation in a rabbit model are important basis for initiation of the upcoming IND-enabling studies, and subsequently to IND submission for DED treatment.

OK-113 is an agonist of Chemerin, which belongs to GPCR family of receptors, that inhibits underlying inflammation causing dry eye, uveitis and allergic conjunctivitis.

Okyo Pharma Ltd. (LSE: OKYO) is a life sciences and biotechnology company admitted to listing on the standard segment of the Official List of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and to trading on the Main Market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange plc.

Okyo is focusing on the discovery and development of novel molecules to treat inflammatory dry eye diseases and chronic pain.