Kiora Pharmaceuticals’ Ion Channel Modulator Shows Promise in Preclinical Epilepsy Model

Kiora Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: KPRX) announced today that its novel ion channel modulator, KIO-300, significantly suppressed seizure-associated electrophysiological activity in an ex vivo temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) model. The preclinical findings were presented in a poster at the Epilepsy Foundation Pipeline Conference taking place June 18-19, 2026, in Leesburg, VA.

The data demonstrated a significant reduction in epileptiform activity, suggesting that KIO-300 may have potential as a therapeutic for epilepsy. This is particularly noteworthy given that temporal lobe epilepsy is one of the most common forms of epilepsy and is often resistant to current treatments.

KIO-300 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient of KIO-301, which is currently in an ongoing Phase 2 clinical program for vision restoration in patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a genetic disorder that leads to vision loss. The company’s ion channel modulator platform targets critical pathways underlying various diseases, and KIO-300’s efficacy in the epilepsy model highlights its potential beyond retinal diseases.

The announcement broadens the potential therapeutic applications of Kiora’s pipeline. While KIO-301 is being developed for inherited retinal degenerations such as retinitis pigmentosa, choroideremia, and Stargardt disease, the positive preclinical data for KIO-300 in epilepsy could lead to the expansion of the company’s pipeline into neurological disorders.

Kiora Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing advanced therapies for retinal disease. The company’s lead candidate, KIO-301, is a molecular photoswitch that has the potential to restore vision in patients with inherited and age-related retinal degeneration. Additionally, KIO-104 is being developed for macular edema due to retinal inflammation and is a next-generation, non-steroidal, immuno-modulatory small molecule inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH).

The company plans to continue evaluating KIO-300’s potential in epilepsy and other neurological conditions. The results from the preclinical study are expected to inform future clinical development strategies.

More information about Kiora Pharmaceuticals and its pipeline can be found on the company’s website at www.kiorapharma.com.

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