aibioKiora reports preclinical epilepsy data for ion channel modulator KIO-300
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KIO-300 significantly suppressed seizure-associated activity in an ex vivo mouse temporal lobe epilepsy model, Kiora said. The poster was presented at the Epilepsy Foundation Pipeline Conference on June 18-19, 2026.
Key facts
- Company
- Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: KPRX)
- News type
- Company Updates
- Primary source
- Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 8-K (2026-06-18)
Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: KPRX) announced on June 18, 2026 preclinical data showing that KIO-300, part of its 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, which took place June 18-19, 2026, in Leesburg, VA. The release says the poster was authored by researchers from Kiora Pharmaceuticals. The release is Exhibit 99.1 to a Form 8-K. The company states that KIO-300 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient of KIO-301, Kiora's ongoing Phase 2 clinical program in vision restoration.
The findings
In hippocampal CA1 slices from mice with induced temporal lobe epilepsy, KIO-300 produced sustained suppression of epileptiform activity. Treatment reduced the frequency of spontaneous epileptiform events compared with vehicle controls, with statistically significant inhibition beginning 42 minutes after treatment. Analysis of cumulative epileptiform burden also showed a significant reduction following KIO-300 exposure. The release says the suppressive effect persisted through both treatment and washout periods, which suggests prolonged neural tissue retention.
The company also said KIO-300 did not impair broader electrical transmission in brain tissue. In its view, that indicates the effects were specific to abnormal spontaneous activity rather than generalized neurological suppression. The rationale builds on earlier retinal degeneration research, in which KIO-300 reduced pathological retinal hyperactivity by approximately 50%. The release says researchers chose temporal lobe epilepsy as an exploratory indication to test whether the compound's membrane-calming effects extend to the central nervous system.
Management comment
Brian Strem, Ph.D., Kiora's chief executive officer, said: "These data reinforce the broad therapeutic potential of our ion channel modulator platform and suggest potential utility beyond ophthalmology." He said the company retains full development and commercialization rights outside the eye for these applications. He added that future translational R&D efforts will evaluate targeted molecular modifications and delivery strategies to enhance disease-specific benefits in epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
The retina programs and financial position
Kiora describes itself as a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing advanced therapies for retinal disease. It says it targets critical pathways underlying retinal diseases using innovative small molecules to slow, stop or restore vision loss. KIO-301 is being developed initially for retinitis pigmentosa. Kiora's annual report on Form 10-K, filed March 25, 2026, describes it as a potential vision-restoring small molecule. The Phase 2 ABACUS-2 trial is a 36 patient, multicenter, randomized, controlled study, and enrollment is ongoing. The annual report says Kiora partnered the program with Théa Open Innovation in January 2024. KIO-104, a non-steroidal DHODH inhibitor formulated for intravitreal delivery, is in the KLARITY trial in patients with macular edema, where dosing began in the third quarter of 2025.
The annual report's financial data show revenue of $0 for 2025, compared with $16.0 million for 2024. Research and development expense was $10.8 million in 2025 and $7.8 million in 2024. Kiora reported a net loss of $10.8 million for 2025, against net income of $3.6 million for 2024. Operating activities used $10.0 million of cash in 2025 and provided $8.6 million in 2024. Year-end cash and cash equivalents were $3.8 million for 2024, and year-end short-term investments were $23.0 million for 2024.
The risks ahead
The KIO-300 data come from an ex vivo mouse slice model, and the release calls temporal lobe epilepsy an exploratory indication. It gives no timeline or development plan for epilepsy. Kiora has no revenue: $0 for 2025, with a net loss of $10.8 million, and operations used $10.0 million of cash. Its clinical work comes first, with KIO-301 in a Phase 2 trial where enrollment is ongoing and KIO-104 in the KLARITY trial. The release warns that approvals or success may not be achieved on a timely basis or at all, and lists the sufficiency of cash to fund operations among its risks.