OKYO Pharma Appoints Robert Dempsey As CEO

• Accomplished industry leader Robert J. Dempsey brings extensive commercialization and ophthalmic expertise
• Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D., will transition to Chief Development Officer and continue to serve on the Board

LONDON and NEW YORK, Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OKYO Pharma Limited (NASDAQ: OKYO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of neuropathic corneal pain (NCP), a severe ocular condition without an FDA approved therapy, and for inflammatory eye diseases, announces that, effective immediately, Robert J. Dempsey will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer. Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D. will transition to Chief Development Officer and continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

Robert J. Dempsey will join OKYO Pharma immediately as Chief Executive Officer and an executive Board member bringing more than two decades of global ophthalmology experience, including drug development, commercialization, and value-creating strategic transactions. Mr. Dempsey previously served as Group Vice President and Head of Global Ophthalmology at Shire, prior to its acquisition by Takeda, where he led the divestiture of Xiidra® (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%, which was one of only three ophthalmology deals in the past twenty years with more than $1 billion upfront. The sale of Xiidra® to Novartis in 2019 included $3.4 billion upfront and up to an additional $1.9 billion in potential milestone payments. Xiidra® was the first FDA-approved therapy indicated for both the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease and went on to become one of the top-selling branded dry eye treatments globally. Mr. Dempsey architected and led the successful launch of Xiidra® and brings deep strategic and commercial expertise across ocular surface disease indications, including direct management responsibility and commercial oversight for Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05%. His professional network in the eye care community is broad and well-established, reflecting his service as a CEO and independent director across multiple ophthalmic companies.

This transition ensures continuity in OKYO's strategic direction while positioning the company for its next phase of growth, particularly in advancing its lead asset, urcosimod for the treatment of neuropathic corneal pain and other ocular inflammatory disorders.