QRL-101

QRL-101 is a first-in-class selective Kv7.2/7.3 voltage-gated potassium channel opener being developed for the treatment of hyperexcitability-induced disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It works by opening Kv7.2/7.3 ion channels, which function as gates for potassium in nerve cells and help control neuronal excitability. By opening these channels, QRL-101 aims to reduce hyperexcitability, potentially slowing nerve damage and disease progression in ALS. Preclinical studies have shown that QRL-101 has strong potential to control motor neuron hyperexcitability-induced excitotoxicity with significantly fewer side effects than other drug candidates. Clinical trials have demonstrated that QRL-101 reduces strength-duration time constant (SDTC), a biomarker of motor neuron excitability in ALS, by approximately 50% more than ezogabine (a first-generation Kv7.2/7.3 ion channel opener). Elevated SDTC has been clinically linked to faster disease progression and mortality in ALS patients. QRL-101 is being developed by QurAlis Corporation and is administered orally.