Kiora Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:KPRX) today announced preclinical data showing that KIO-300, part of the company's novel 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 taking place June 18-19, 2026, in Leesburg, VA.

"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. "There is a compelling opportunity to explore additional therapeutic applications where we retain full development and commercialization rights outside the eye. Future translational R&D efforts will evaluate targeted molecular modifications and delivery strategies to enhance disease-specific benefits in epilepsy and other neurological disorders."

Key findings include:

  • KIO-300 produced sustained suppression of epileptiform activity in hippocampal CA1 slices 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 demonstrated a significant reduction following KIO-300 exposure (p < 0.0001).

The suppressive effect persisted throughout both treatment and washout periods, suggesting prolonged neural tissue retention. Importantly, 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.

The scientific rationale builds on earlier retinal degeneration research in which KIO-300 reduced pathological retinal hyperactivity by approximately 50%. Because neuronal hyperexcitability is also a hallmark of epilepsy, researchers selected temporal lobe epilepsy as an exploratory indication to evaluate whether KIO-300's membrane-calming effects extend to the central nervous system.