In collaboration with US-based Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and The Royal Adelaide Hospital, leading Australian Contract Research Organisation, Accelagen, has announced that dosing has commenced in the Phase 1 first-in-human trial for KIO-301.

This trial represents a remarkable development in the treatment of people with the rare inherited condition, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), which currently has no approved cure or standard treatment.

This study, a three-way collaboration between Accelagen, Kiora and The Royal Adelaide Hospital, is a foundational Phase 1b open-label, single ascending dose clinical trial for people living with RP.

As a visible light-sensitive small molecule, KIO-301 acts as a reversible 'photoswitch', specifically designed to restore the eyes' ability to perceive and interpret light in visually impaired patients.

Currently enrolling a small group of RP patients, initial tests are currently being used to determine safety and tolerability of the experimental drug, as well as assessing whether patients have improved vision by evaluating their ability to identify objects, navigate through a mobility course and other ophthalmic and quality-of-life assessments. Also, the study is evaluating how the brain activity changes, specifically looking within the areas of image processing.

Demonstrating a big step forward in establishing proof-of-concept for KIO-301, the study's commencement also represents a significant achievement for the clinical trial industry in Australia.