Data Presented at Epilepsy Foundation Pipeline Conference Demonstrated Significant Reduction in Epileptiform Activity: KIO-300 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient of KIO-301, Kiora&#39;s ongoing Phase 2 clinical program

<p>Data Presented at Epilepsy Foundation Pipeline Conference Demonstrated Significant Reduction in Epileptiform Activity: KIO-300 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient of KIO-301, Kiora's ongoing Phase 2 clinical program in vision restoration in patients with gene mutation-agnostic Retinitis Pigmentosa</p><p>Encinitas, California--(Newsfile Corp. - June 18, 2026) - Kiora Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KPRX">KPRX</a>) 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.</p><p>"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&#38;D efforts will evaluate targeted molecular modifications and delivery strategies to enhance disease-specific benefits in epilepsy and other neurological disorders."</p><p>Key findings include:</p><ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>KIO-300 produced sustained suppression of epileptiform activity in hippocampal CA1 slices from mice with induced temporal lobe epilepsy. </li><li>Treatment reduced spontaneous epileptiform event frequency compared with vehicle controls, with statistically significant inhibition beginning 42 minutes after treatment (<i>p</i> &#60; 0.0001). </li><li>Analysis of cumulative epileptiform burden also demonstrated a significant reduction following KIO-300 exposure (<i>p</i> &#60; 0.0001). </li></ul><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>The poster, titled "KIO-300/BENAQ Modulates Epileptiform Activity in an Ex Vivo Hippocampal TLE Model," was authored by researchers from Kiora Pharmaceuticals.</p><p><b>About Kiora Pharmaceuticals</b> </p><p>Kiora Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing advanced therapies for retinal disease. We target critical pathways underlying retinal diseases using innovative small molecules to slow, stop, or restore vision loss. KIO-301 is being developed initially for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, with potential to expand into choroideremia and Stargardt disease. It is a molecular photoswitch that has the potential to restore vision in patients with inherited and/or age-related retinal degeneration. KIO-104 is being developed for the treatment of macular edema due to retinal inflammation. It is a next-generation, non-steroidal, immuno-modulatory, and small-molecule inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH).</p><p>In addition to news releases and SEC filings, we expect to post information on our website, <a href="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/kXngyHV8DY">www.kiorapharma.com</a>, and social media accounts that could be relevant to investors. We encourage investors to follow us on X and LinkedIn as well as to visit our website and/or subscribe to email alerts.</p><p><b>Forward-Looking Statements</b></p><p>Some of the statements in this press release are "forward-looking" and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These "forward-looking" statements include statements relating to, among other things, Kiora's ability to execute on development and commercialization efforts and other regulatory or marketing approval efforts pertaining to Kiora's development-stage products, including KIO-104 and KIO-301, as well as the success thereof, which such approvals or success may not be obtained or achieved on a timely basis or at all, the sufficiency of existing cash and short-term investments on hand to fund operations for specific periods, the timeline of anticipated readouts, the potential for pipeline expansion, the potential to add trial centers, expand the geographic footprint of trials and/or accelerate enrollment, the potential for KIO-301 and KIO-104 to address multiple indications, and the possibility of future global registration studies and commercialization. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from the statements set forth in this press release, including, among other things, the ability to conduct clinical trials on a timely basis, market and other conditions and certain risk factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in Kiora's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 25, 2026 or described in Kiora's other public filings, including on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 8, 2026. Kiora's results may also be affected by factors of which Kiora is not currently aware. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Kiora expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to such statements to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any changes in the events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.</p><div id="contactInfo"><p>Contacts:<br />Investors<br /><a href="mailto:Investors@kiorapharma.com">Investors@kiorapharma.com</a></p></div><p id="corporateNewsLogoContainer"><img src="https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8481/301913_e5ba6cb294cd483b_logo.jpg" id="corporateNewsLogo" alt="Corporate Logo" /></p><p id="corporateLinkBack">To view the source version of this press release, please visit <a href="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/RY1A2iw1qK">https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/301913</a></p><p><img src="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/newsinfo/301913/197" alt="" /></p>

KPRX

Kiora Pharmaceuticals Reports its Ion Channel Modulator, KIO-300, Suppressed Seizure Activity in Preclinical Epilepsy Model

Kiora's KIO-300 Shows Epilepsy Signals with Cross-Indication Potential

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>Data Presented at Epilepsy Foundation Pipeline Conference Demonstrated Significant Reduction in Epileptiform Activity: KIO-300 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient of KIO-301, Kiora&amp;#39;s ongoing Phase 2 clinical program</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Kiora Pharmaceuticals presented preclinical data showing KIO-300 significantly suppresses epileptiform activity in an ex vivo temporal lobe epilepsy model, with p&lt;0.0001 reductions in frequency and burden. The findings imply broader CNS utility beyond ophthalmology and indicate possible expansion of development rights outside the eye, signaling a long-term, multi-indication strategy for KPRX.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Kiora reports KIO-300 preclinical data suppressing epileptiform activity in TLE model.</li><li>Significant reductions in event frequency and epileptiform burden, p&lt;0.0001.</li><li>Effect persists during treatment and washout; remains specific to abnormal activity.</li><li>Data suggest potential CNS utility beyond ophthalmology; rights outside eye discussed.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (KPRX)</strong>: Direct beneficiary of preclinical KIO-300 data; potential for CNS expansion could affect long-term valuation.</li><li><strong>KIO-301 / KIO-104 program context (N/A)</strong>: Indicates pipeline breadth beyond ophthalmology; potential strategic implications for KPRX.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Industry News</h3>
    <p>Industry News with Research-Driven Implications. This update centers on preclinical data and potential pipeline expansion, which can influence long-term valuation and strategic positioning, even though near-term catalysts are limited.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Positive preclinical signals may improve sentiment but no clinical data yet.</li><li>Potential non-eye indications could broaden addressable market and valuation.</li><li>No near-term revenue; moves hinge on future readouts and regulatory milestones.</li><li>Stock may remain volatile around conference-related news.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Event: Epilepsy Foundation Pipeline Conference, June 18-19, 2026.</li><li>KIO-300 is active pharmaceutical ingredient of KIO-301 for vision restoration.</li><li>Statistical significance: p &lt; 0.0001 for reduced epileptiform events.</li><li>Treatment effect began ~42 minutes after dosing (p &lt; 0.0001).</li><li>Effect persisted through treatment and washout; no broader electrical suppression observed.</li><li>Earlier retinal data showed ~50% reduction in retinal hyperactivity.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Longer-term upside if CNS indications progress; near-term price impact likely muted.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<p>Data Presented at Epilepsy Foundation Pipeline Conference Demonstrated Significant Reduction in Epileptiform Activity: KIO-300 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient of KIO-301, Kiora's ongoing Phase 2 clinical program in vision restoration in patients with gene mutation-agnostic Retinitis Pigmentosa</p><p>Encinitas, California--(Newsfile Corp. - June 18, 2026) - Kiora Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KPRX">KPRX</a>) 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.</p><p>"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&#38;D efforts will evaluate targeted molecular modifications and delivery strategies to enhance disease-specific benefits in epilepsy and other neurological disorders."</p><p>Key findings include:</p><ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>KIO-300 produced sustained suppression of epileptiform activity in hippocampal CA1 slices from mice with induced temporal lobe epilepsy. </li><li>Treatment reduced spontaneous epileptiform event frequency compared with vehicle controls, with statistically significant inhibition beginning 42 minutes after treatment (<i>p</i> &#60; 0.0001). </li><li>Analysis of cumulative epileptiform burden also demonstrated a significant reduction following KIO-300 exposure (<i>p</i> &#60; 0.0001). </li></ul><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>The poster, titled "KIO-300/BENAQ Modulates Epileptiform Activity in an Ex Vivo Hippocampal TLE Model," was authored by researchers from Kiora Pharmaceuticals.</p><p><b>About Kiora Pharmaceuticals</b> </p><p>Kiora Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing advanced therapies for retinal disease. We target critical pathways underlying retinal diseases using innovative small molecules to slow, stop, or restore vision loss. KIO-301 is being developed initially for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, with potential to expand into choroideremia and Stargardt disease. It is a molecular photoswitch that has the potential to restore vision in patients with inherited and/or age-related retinal degeneration. KIO-104 is being developed for the treatment of macular edema due to retinal inflammation. It is a next-generation, non-steroidal, immuno-modulatory, and small-molecule inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH).</p><p>In addition to news releases and SEC filings, we expect to post information on our website, <a href="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/kXngyHV8DY">www.kiorapharma.com</a>, and social media accounts that could be relevant to investors. We encourage investors to follow us on X and LinkedIn as well as to visit our website and/or subscribe to email alerts.</p><p><b>Forward-Looking Statements</b></p><p>Some of the statements in this press release are "forward-looking" and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These "forward-looking" statements include statements relating to, among other things, Kiora's ability to execute on development and commercialization efforts and other regulatory or marketing approval efforts pertaining to Kiora's development-stage products, including KIO-104 and KIO-301, as well as the success thereof, which such approvals or success may not be obtained or achieved on a timely basis or at all, the sufficiency of existing cash and short-term investments on hand to fund operations for specific periods, the timeline of anticipated readouts, the potential for pipeline expansion, the potential to add trial centers, expand the geographic footprint of trials and/or accelerate enrollment, the potential for KIO-301 and KIO-104 to address multiple indications, and the possibility of future global registration studies and commercialization. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from the statements set forth in this press release, including, among other things, the ability to conduct clinical trials on a timely basis, market and other conditions and certain risk factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in Kiora's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 25, 2026 or described in Kiora's other public filings, including on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 8, 2026. Kiora's results may also be affected by factors of which Kiora is not currently aware. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Kiora expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to such statements to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any changes in the events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.</p><div id="contactInfo"><p>Contacts:<br />Investors<br /><a href="mailto:Investors@kiorapharma.com">Investors@kiorapharma.com</a></p></div><p id="corporateNewsLogoContainer"><img src="https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8481/301913_e5ba6cb294cd483b_logo.jpg" id="corporateNewsLogo" alt="Corporate Logo" /></p><p id="corporateLinkBack">To view the source version of this press release, please visit <a href="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/RY1A2iw1qK">https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/301913</a></p><p><img src="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/newsinfo/301913/197" alt="" /></p>

Kiora Pharmaceuticals presented preclinical data showing KIO-300 significantly suppresses epileptiform activity in an ex vivo temporal lobe epilepsy model, with p<0.0001 reductions in frequency and burden. The findings imply broader CNS utility beyond ophthalmology and indicate possible expansion of development rights outside the eye, signaling a long-term, multi-indication strategy for KPRX.

Kiora Pharmaceuticals Reports its Ion Channel Modulator, KIO-300, Suppressed Seizure Activity in Preclinical Epilepsy Model

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Industry News

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