Kiora Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: KPRX) today reported that its novel ion channel modulator, KIO-300, 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, the company’s lead candidate currently in a Phase 2 clinical program for vision restoration in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. The new data indicate that KIO-300 may have therapeutic potential beyond ophthalmology, extending into neurology for the treatment of epilepsy.
In the study, KIO-300 demonstrated a significant reduction in epileptiform activity, which is characteristic of seizures. Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common form of focal epilepsy, often resistant to current treatments. The ability of KIO-300 to modulate ion channels suggests a mechanism that could address the underlying neuronal hyperexcitability in epilepsy.
The company’s ion channel modulator platform targets critical pathways involved in neuronal signaling. This platform has already shown promise in retinal diseases, where KIO-301 acts as a molecular photoswitch to restore vision. The new preclinical evidence supports the potential of KIO-300 to treat other conditions involving abnormal electrical activity, such as epilepsy.
“These preclinical results are encouraging and demonstrate the versatility of our ion channel modulator technology,” said a representative of Kiora Pharmaceuticals. “While our primary focus remains on advancing KIO-301 for retinal diseases, this data opens the door to additional indications where ion channel modulation may provide therapeutic benefit.”
Kiora Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing advanced therapies for retinal disease. Their 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 continues to evaluate the full potential of its technology platform.
Further details on the preclinical study can be found in the company’s press release and poster presentation at the conference. Kiora plans to continue investigating KIO-300 in additional preclinical models to assess its potential for epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
