LENZ Therapeutics Announces US FDA Approval of VIZZ™ for the Treatment of Presbyopia

Core Viewpoint - LENZ Therapeutics has received FDA approval for VIZZ, the first aceclidine-based eye drop for treating presbyopia, which affects approximately 128 million adults in the U.S. This product is expected to be available in the U.S. by October 2025, with a once-daily dosing regimen that provides near vision improvement for up to 10 hours [1][2][12]. Group 1: Product Information - VIZZ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution) 1.44% is designed to restore clear near vision for up to 10 hours and is preservative-free, provided in single-dose vials [8][9]. - The mechanism of action involves contracting the iris sphincter muscle to create a pinhole effect, enhancing depth of focus without causing a myopic shift [2][8]. - The FDA approval was based on three Phase 3 studies, demonstrating significant near vision improvement within 30 minutes and lasting up to 10 hours [3][4]. Group 2: Clinical Trials and Efficacy - In the CLARITY 1 and CLARITY 2 studies, VIZZ met all primary and secondary endpoints for near vision improvement, with consistent results across both trials [4]. - The trials involved 466 participants in CLARITY 1 and CLARITY 2, and 217 participants in CLARITY 3, which assessed long-term safety over six months [3][4]. - VIZZ was well-tolerated, with no serious treatment-related adverse events reported during over 30,000 treatment days [4][11]. Group 3: Market Impact and Future Plans - The approval of VIZZ is seen as a transformative advancement in treatment options for presbyopia, potentially becoming the standard of care for optometrists and ophthalmologists [2][3]. - The company plans to initiate direct-to-eye care professional sales and marketing activities immediately following the approval [1][2]. - LENZ Therapeutics aims to establish international licensing partnerships to expand access to VIZZ globally [12].