Based in New Jersey, Ari Kellen pursues strategic advisory and investment pathways focused on early-stage growth. Ari Kellen is a board member at BNS Ophthalmics (BNSO). The company was launched in June 2023 through a partnership between Rafarm, a Greek pharmaceutical enterprise, and BioNanoSim (BNS), an Israeli company focused on nanotechnology drug discovery and development.
Cofounded by Professor Simon Benita and a team from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the initial product under development, BNSO-1, is a nanoformulation designed to enable the application of Tacrolimus, a strong anti-inflammatory drug, to the eyes. Characterized as water-insoluble and unstable, Tacrolimus cannot completely permeate the cornea.
With the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) having designated BNSO-1 as an orphan drug for the indication, a phase I/IIA clinical study of the drug for chronic anterior uveitis patients is planned. Should the study deliver positive results, BNS Ophthalmics could receive approval for an accelerated regulatory approval track.
In addition, a pair of Professor Benita-invented and BNS-developed preclinical treatments are in the works. A prolonged-release steroid derivative drug intravitreal injection delivery technology for age-related macular degeneration and macular edema helps avoid increased intra-ocular pressure in the eyes. The other treatment is a novel topical drug that addresses dry eye disease.
