Kiora Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: KPRX) announced preclinical data showing that KIO-300, a novel ion channel modulator, 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 on June 18-19, 2026, in Leesburg, VA.
KIO-300 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient of KIO-301, which is currently in a Phase 2 clinical program for vision restoration in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic cause of blindness. The new data indicate that the compound may have broader therapeutic applications beyond ophthalmology, potentially addressing unmet needs in epilepsy treatment.
The study demonstrated a significant reduction in epileptiform activity, which is the abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that characterizes seizures. Temporal lobe epilepsy is one of the most common forms of epilepsy and is often resistant to existing medications. According to the company, these results support further investigation of KIO-300 for seizure disorders.
Kiora Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing advanced therapies for retinal diseases. Its pipeline includes KIO-301 for retinitis pigmentosa, with potential expansion into choroideremia and Stargardt disease, and KIO-104 for macular edema due to retinal inflammation. The company targets critical pathways underlying retinal diseases using innovative small molecules to slow, stop, or restore vision loss.
The announcement highlights the potential for Kiora's ion channel modulator platform to address multiple indications. While the primary focus remains on vision restoration, the epilepsy data open a new avenue for development. The company plans to continue evaluating KIO-300 in preclinical models and may consider future clinical trials for epilepsy if results remain promising.
For more information, visit the company's website at www.kiorapharma.com. The full announcement, including downloadable images and bios, is available here.
