Kiora Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: KPRX) reported preclinical data showing that KIO-300, part of its novel ion channel modulator platform, significantly suppressed seizure-associated electrophysiological activity in an ex vivo temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) model. The findings were presented in a poster at the Epilepsy Foundation Pipeline Conference taking place June 18-19, 2026, in Leesburg, VA.
KIO-300 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient of KIO-301, which is currently in Phase 2 clinical development for vision restoration in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. The new data indicate that the ion channel modulator may have therapeutic potential beyond ophthalmology, particularly in neurological conditions characterized by hyperexcitability, such as epilepsy.
The ex vivo model used brain slices from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, a common and often drug-resistant form of the disease. Treatment with KIO-300 resulted in a significant reduction in epileptiform activity, supporting further investigation into its antiseizure properties. The company noted that the findings validate the broader applicability of its ion channel modulation technology.
Kiora Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing advanced therapies for retinal disease. Its lead candidate, KIO-301, is a molecular photoswitch designed to restore vision in patients with inherited retinal degenerations, including retinitis pigmentosa, choroideremia, and Stargardt disease. Another candidate, KIO-104, is a next-generation inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) for macular edema due to retinal inflammation.
The epilepsy data represent a potential pipeline expansion for Kiora, as the company explores additional indications for its ion channel modulator platform. The presentation at the Epilepsy Foundation Pipeline Conference highlights the growing interest in targeting ion channels for seizure control.
Kiora Pharmaceuticals plans to continue preclinical development of KIO-300 for epilepsy and may consider future clinical trials. The company emphasizes that these are early-stage findings, and further studies are needed to evaluate safety and efficacy in humans.
For more information, visit Kiora Pharmaceuticals' website at www.kiorapharma.com.
