Kiora Pharmaceuticals reports KIO-300 reduced seizure activity in lab model

Kiora Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: KPRX) announced preclinical data showing that its ion channel modulator KIO-300 suppressed seizure-associated electrophysiological activity in an ex vivo temporal lobe epilepsy model. The findings were presented at the Epilepsy Foundation Pipeline Conference on June 18, 2026, in Leesburg, Virginia.

In the study, KIO-300 produced sustained suppression of epileptiform activity in hippocampal CA1 slices taken from mice with induced temporal lobe epilepsy. Treatment reduced spontaneous epileptiform event frequency compared with vehicle controls, with statistically significant inhibition beginning 42 minutes after treatment (p < 0.0001). Analysis of cumulative epileptiform burden also showed a significant reduction following KIO-300 exposure (p < 0.0001).

The suppressive effect persisted through both treatment and washout periods, suggesting prolonged neural tissue retention. KIO-300 did not impair broader electrical transmission in brain tissue, indicating its effects were specific to abnormal spontaneous activity rather than generalized neurological suppression.

KIO-300 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in KIO-301, which is currently in a Phase 2 clinical program for vision restoration in patients with gene mutation-agnostic Retinitis Pigmentosa. The epilepsy research was prompted by earlier retinal degeneration work in which KIO-300 reduced pathological retinal hyperactivity by approximately 50%.

"These data reinforce the broad therapeutic potential of our ion channel modulator platform and suggest potential utility beyond ophthalmology," said Brian Strem, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Kiora Pharmaceuticals.

The company stated it retains full development and commercialization rights for applications outside the eye. According to the press release, future research efforts will evaluate molecular modifications and delivery strategies for epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

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