Visionary Voices spotlights Lento Bio, a New York-based longevity therapeutics company developing innovative treatments for age-related health conditions. Led by Chief Executive Officer Kris Barnes, Lento Bio is helping people age better by targeting the underlying chronic damage that accompanies disease progression. Lento Bio is currently developing small-molecule eyedrops to treat presbyopia – or age-related farsightedness – by increasing eye lens flexibility. The goal: eliminating the need for corrective lenses.
Visualizing the Future: Lento Bio’s Approach to Longevity Science
Age-related diseases are among the most persistent challenges in modern medicine, often stemming from the gradual biochemical damage that builds up within cells and tissues over time. For decades, treatment has largely focused on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root causes.
Presbyopia is the steady loss of near vision, typically starting in middle age, that progresses to the point where it becomes difficult to read the fine print, whether in a book or on a menu.
Lento Bio takes a newfound approach towards longevity, and scientific research for age-related dysfunctions. By targeting molecular damage, the company aims to develop therapies, such as the eyedrops, with the potential to restore previous function.
The Founder’s Journey
Tell us about yourself, your background, and your entrepreneurial journey.
I grew up outside of Syracuse and have long been drawn to science, especially the intersection of biology and aging. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from the State University of New York at Oswego and earned a PhD in Neuroscience from Weill Cornell Medicine. I became deeply interested in longevity therapeutics, particularly approaches aimed at reversing underlying biochemical damage.
After completing my PhD, I began consulting in the biotech space, gaining exposure to working on multiple types of chronic diseases, especially those affecting the eye. Coming out of this experience, the idea of Lento Bio took shape, and I founded the company at the idea-stage in 2022 with the goal of developing new ways to treat chronic age-related disorders of the ocular lens.
I pitched the concept to Ichor Life Sciences, an Upstate pharmaceutical lab with a strong interest and expertise in aging ophthalmology. From there, Lento Bio was born. In the past three years we’ve grown from a concept into a company with a patented solution in our pipeline. The journey has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
What inspired you to start Lento Bio?
I’m passionate about the idea of treating chronic diseases. While consulting, I realized that presbyopia, the progressive loss of near vision, was an excellent example of how biochemical damage leads directly to decline in eyesight. The stiffening of the lens is driven by specific molecular damage.
Recognizing this challenge, I was inspired to design a therapeutic capable of targeting those mechanisms directly with the goal of delivering a meaningful clinical improvement in patient vision.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve solved so far or something you’ve learned along the way?
Our biggest challenge has been achieving effective drug dosage into the eye through the cornea, which is a notoriously difficult barrier for drug development. We developed our solution to administer these dosages through careful iterations and rigorous testing. This is a process that taught us a tremendous amount about drug formulation, delivery, and the precision required in ophthalmic drug development.
What’s a recent milestone or win that you’re proud of?
We are currently working towards finalizing preparations for our first clinical trials. By securing both the data that unequivocally demonstrates our solutions’ preclinical efficacy, as well as the necessary funding for remaining preclinical studies, we’re marking a major step forward for patients.
What’s next for your company in the coming months?
Right now, our highest priority is perfecting our formulation. For an eyedrop, formulation is half the product. It determines everything from efficacy to patient experience. So, we’re investing deeply in getting it right.
How has NY Ventures impacted your experience starting a business in New York State?
NY Ventures’ investment from their Pre-Seed and Seed Matching Fund Program, supported by the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative, arrived at a critical stage; it provided the funding necessary to build the runway towards starting our clinical trial and gave us confidence when it mattered most.
Outside of work, what’s your favorite way to spend time in New York State?
I really enjoy climbing in the Shawangunks when I can. It’s a great way to disconnect.
When friends or family visit, what’s one place in New York State you always take them to?
Around Syracuse, I love showing visitors the region’s waterfalls: Tinker Falls, Pratt’s Falls, and Chittenango Falls are some favorites. Green Lakes State Park is also a must-see location.
The Visionary Voices series showcases the bold leaders and companies within the New York Ventures’ portfolio that are actively building the future of New York State.