Kiora Pharmaceuticals Secures US Patent for KIO-104, Advancing Treatment of Ocular Inflammatory Diseases

Kiora Pharmaceuticals Secures US Patent for KIO-104, Advancing Treatment of Ocular Inflammatory Diseases

By, Admin 25 July 2025

Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing advanced therapies for retinal disease, announced it has received a US patent (No. 12,364,680) covering KIO-104 for the treatment of a wide range of ocular diseases.

Broad Patent Protection for KIO-104

The patent covers treatment applications for conditions including:

  • Ocular inflammation
  • Uveitis
  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Complications from refractive surgery

Additionally, the patent provides protection for:

  • Varying dosing schedules
  • Necessary excipients
  • Other novel methods aimed at optimizing treatment for ocular inflammatory diseases

The issuance of this patent is expected to strengthen the protection of KIO-104 and extend market exclusivity into 2043.

A Strategic IP Milestone

“Securing this patent builds on our IP strategy to protect KIO-104 around its proprietary structure, delivery methods, formulation, and therapeutic applications, This specific patent is significant in its breadth of therapeutic applications.”

— Brian M. Strem, PhD, President & CEO, Kiora Pharmaceuticals

KIO-104: A Promising Alternative to Steroids

KIO-104 is a potent small molecule in development for inflammatory retinal diseases. It offers an alternative to traditional treatments like:

  • Steroids, which may cause adverse ocular side effects
  • Systemic anti-inflammatory drugs, known for broader systemic risks

Ongoing Clinical Trials: The KLARITY Study

Kiora is currently conducting a multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial, known as the KLARITY study. Key details:

  • Screening up to 28 patients
  • Testing two dose levels
  • Targeting several inflammatory retinal diseases, including: Posterior non-infectious uveitis and Diabetic macular edema (DME)

These conditions involve inflammation linked with vision-threatening changes.

The initial stage results will inform dose expansion into one or more specific indications.

Mechanism of Action: Targeting DHODH to Reduce T-Cell Driven Inflammation

KIO-104 works by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme DHODH (dihydroorotate dehydrogenase), which is essential for the synthesis of:

  • DNA and RNA building blocks
  • Cofactors for T-cell function

By reducing these building blocks, KIO-104 effectively:

  • Limits T-cell replication
  • Dampens inflammatory responses in the retina

About Kiora Pharmaceuticals

Kiora Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing advanced therapies for retinal disease. The company:

  • Targets critical disease pathways
  • Utilizes innovative small molecules
  • Aims to slow, stop, or restore vision loss

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