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
