NEW YORK, Dec. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eyenovia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYEN), a pre-commercial ophthalmic technology company developing the Optejet delivery system for use both in combination with its own drug-device therapeutic programs for mydriasis, presbyopia and pediatric progressive myopia as well as out-licensing for additional indications, today announced that Bren Kern, who currently serves as Eyenovia’s Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Operations, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Vice President, effective January 1st.
“Since joining the company earlier this year, Bren has made significant contributions preparing our manufacturing facility in Redwood City to commence operations, and I believe he is the ideal candidate to serve as the company’s Chief Operating Officer going forward,” stated Michael Rowe, Chief Executive Officer of Eyenovia. “As we approach the potential approval of MydCombi next year while continuing to support our development stage programs and strategic partnerships, we will rely heavily on Bren’s operations and manufacturing expertise, and I am very pleased to have him as part of our executive team.”
Mr. Kern has spent his career helping companies transition from research and development entities into scaled commercial manufacturing organizations. Over the past 20 years, he honed his skills by leading product optimization, supporting regulatory approvals (510K & PMA) and establishing cGMP compliant manufacturing solutions worldwide. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kern held leadership positions in multiple medical device and diagnostic companies, including Hound Labs, Inc. (a THC breathalyzer), Second Source Medical LLC (a medical device contract manufacturer), BioLux Research Ltd (an orthodontia acceleration device), BAROnova Inc. (a removable weight loss implant) and Bigfoot Biomedical Inc. /Asante Solutions, Inc. (an insulin delivery device). Mr. Kern holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Oregon Institute of Technology.
Julia Haller, MD, to Step Down from the Board
Eyenovia also announced today that independent director Julia Haller, MD is stepping down from the company’s Board of Directors. Upon her departure, Eyenovia’s Board will be reduced to seven seats from eight.
“On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank Dr. Haller for her service during what was a crucial time for our company,” stated Sean Ianchulev, MD, MPH, Chairman of Eyenovia’s Board of Directors. “As a world-renowned retinal surgeon-scientist and innovator in the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Haller brought unique perspectives and advised us through some of our most important activities and events, including the evolution of our strategy. We wish her well in her future endeavors.”
About Mydcombi™ for Mydriasis
Mydcombi is Eyenovia’s investigational, first-in-class fixed-dose-combination product (tropicamide 1% and phenylephrine 2.5% ophthalmic spray) for pharmacologic mydriasis (eye dilation), which is targeted to improve the efficiency of the estimated 100 million office-based comprehensive eye exams performed every year in the United States, as well as the estimated 4 million pharmacologic mydriasis applications for cataract surgery. Developed as a micro-formulation for use without anesthetic, Eyenovia believes Mydcombi will help improve the efficacy, tolerability, and efficiency of pharmacologic mydriasis. Mydcombi has been licensed to Arctic Vision (Hong Kong) Limited in Greater China and South Korea.
About Optejet® and Microdose Array Print (MAP™) Therapeutics
Eyenovia’s Optejet microdose formulation and delivery platform for ocular therapeutics uses high-precision piezo-print technology to deliver 6-8 μL of drug, consistent with the capacity of the tear film of the eye. We estimate the volume of ophthalmic solution administered with the Optejet is less than 20% of that delivered using conventional eyedroppers, thus reducing overdosing and exposure to drug and preservatives. Eyenovia’s patented microfluidic ejection technology is designed for fast and gentle ocular surface delivery, where solution is dispensed to the ocular surface in approximately 80 milliseconds, beating the ocular blink reflex. Successful use of the Optejet has been demonstrated more than 85% of the time after basic training in a variety of clinical settings compared to 40 – 50% historically seen with conventional eyedroppers. Additionally, its smart electronics and mobile e-health technology are designed to track and enhance patient compliance.
About Eyenovia, Inc.
Eyenovia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYEN) is an ophthalmic pharmaceutical technology company developing a pipeline of microdose array print (MAPTM) therapeutics. Eyenovia is currently focused on the late-stage development of microdosed medications for mydriasis, presbyopia and myopia progression. For more information, visit Eyenovia.com.
