PainReform launches development plan for OcuRing-K, readies phase 2 trial

PainReform has released details on, and the commencement of, its development plan for OcuRing-K, including an upcoming phase 2 clinical trial.¹

Earlier in 2025 it was announced that PainReform had acquired a majority equity interest in LayerBio, focusing on the company’s OcuRing-K technology.² Since then, PainReform has conducted a “methodical internal assessment with LayerBio’s management team to define development priorities and establish a clear path for advancing the program.”

The OcuRing technology is a bioerodible sustained-release implant applied to the haptic of an intraocular lens (IOL) for use in cataract surgery. Once implanted inside the eye, the OcuRing continuously releases medications for treatment and prevention of postoperative complications of cataract surgery, with OcuRing-K designed to deliver ketorolac, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug, intra-surgically during cataract procedures.

The OcuRing is designed to offer a "dropless" alternative that circumvents the challenges associated with traditional eye drop regimens, which can be associated with several drawbacks, such as poor compliance, particularly among elderly patients; inconsistent and inefficient drug delivery; and risks associated with steroids, including elevated intraocular pressure and potential for infection and contamination, such as inadvertent contact between dropper bottles and ocular tissues.

Ehud Geller, Chairman of PainReform, commented on the development plan, saying, “Our plan identifies post-cataract pain and inflammation as the initial target indication for OcuRing-K. Commencing the development plan for OcuRing-K and advancing work toward the next clinical trial marks a key milestone in our strategy to deliver meaningful, drop-less solutions to one of the most common and impactful surgical procedures worldwide. LayerBio’s data demonstrate the potential of this sustained-release depot technology to provide consistent pain and inflammation control with significantly lower drug exposure than traditional drops. With this plan in place, PainReform is well positioned to advance OcuRing-K into its next phase of development.”

Preclinical studies and a phase I clinical evaluation showed reductions in post-surgical pain and inflammation while using significantly lower total drug exposure than standard eye-drop regimens, according to the company.

Additionally, LayerBio’s sustained-release platform supports delivery of other ocular therapeutics—including NSAIDs, antibiotics, steroids, and anti-VEGF agents. According to PainReform, this aligns with the company’s plans to explore additional ophthalmic indications following the development of OcuRing-K.

PainReform and LayerBio plan to advance OcuRing-K through its next stage of clinical development in the US, and the product is still being led by Ken Mandell, MD, PhD, LayerBio’s founder and CEO.

References:

1. PainReform Commences Development for OcuRing™-K Phase II Trial, LayerBio’s Drop-Less Sustained-Release Ocular Therapy. Published December 2, 2025. Accessed December 3, 2025. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/12/02/3198088/0/en/PainReform-Commences-Development-for-OcuRing-K-Phase-II-Trial-LayerBio-s-Drop-Less-Sustained-Release-Ocular-Therapy.html

2. Harp MD. PainReform acquires majority equity interest in LayerBio. Published August 14, 2025. Accessed December 3, 2025. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/painreform-acquires-majority-equity-interest-in-layerbio