Highlights
- The FDA has approved Vizz (aceclidine ophthalmic solution 1.44%) as a once-daily treatment for presbyopia in adults, following positive results from three phase 3 CLARITY studies.
- Vizz demonstrates rapid (within 30 minutes) and sustained (up to 10 hours) improvement in near vision without inducing myopic shift.
- The treatment was well tolerated with no serious treatment-related adverse events across all three pivotal clinical trials.
- Lenz Therapeutics anticipates product availability later in the year, with samples expected as early as October.
Clinical Background and Disease Burden
Presbyopia is an age-related condition characterized by the progressive loss of the eye’s ability to focus on near objects, typically manifesting in adults over 40. It results from the gradual stiffening of the lens and weakening of the ciliary muscle, leading to diminished accommodation. The global prevalence exceeds one billion individuals, significantly impacting daily activities and quality of life. Traditionally, management has relied on reading glasses or multifocal contact lenses, with few pharmacological options. There is an unmet need for non-invasive, convenient solutions that restore near vision function while minimizing dependency on corrective lenses.
Research Methodology
The FDA approval of Vizz was based on the comprehensive evaluation of safety and efficacy in three pivotal phase 3 clinical trials: CLARITY 1, CLARITY 2, and CLARITY 3.
Study Design:
– CLARITY 1 and CLARITY 2: Prospective, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trials
– Population: 466 adults with presbyopia
– Intervention: Once-daily topical administration of aceclidine ophthalmic solution 1.44% for 42 days
– Endpoints: Primary and secondary endpoints focused on improvement in near visual acuity, onset and duration of effect, and safety/tolerability
CLARITY 3 was an open-label extension enrolling 217 adults to assess long-term safety over a 6-month period with daily dosing.
Key Findings
Both CLARITY 1 and CLARITY 2 met all pre-specified primary and secondary endpoints:
– Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in near vision was observed as early as 30 minutes post-instillation, sustained for up to 10 hours.
– The magnitude of near visual acuity improvement was robust, with a notable proportion of patients achieving functional gains sufficient to reduce or eliminate dependency on reading glasses.
– Importantly, there was no significant myopic shift or detrimental effect on distance vision, addressing a key concern with miotic-based approaches.
– The safety profile was favorable: no serious treatment-related adverse events were reported across all studies. Ocular side effects were generally mild and transient, including occasional headache or mild eye irritation.
Mechanistic Insights and Biological Plausibility
Aceclidine is a direct-acting parasympathomimetic agent that selectively stimulates muscarinic receptors in the iris sphincter muscle. This pharmacological action contracts the sphincter, resulting in pupil constriction (miosis) and the creation of a pinhole effect. The pinhole mechanism increases depth of focus, thereby improving near vision without inducing a refractive error shift. This mechanism is distinct from earlier cholinergic agents, which often had less selective effects and higher rates of adverse events.
Expert Commentary
Eef Schimmelpennink, President and CEO of Lenz Therapeutics, highlighted the practical benefits: “Vizz is a convenient, once-daily solution that improves consumers’ near visual experience, allowing them to stay in the moment. Vizz provides another option that offers individuals visual freedom for up to 10 hours to meet their often demanding, active lifestyle while reducing dependency on readers.”
External commentary from the ophthalmology community has been generally positive, noting that aceclidine’s selectivity and favorable tolerability profile represent a significant advance in pharmacologic presbyopia management.
Controversies or Limitations
While the CLARITY studies provide strong evidence for short-term and 6-month safety, longer-term real-world data will be necessary to confirm sustained efficacy and low rates of adverse events. The studies primarily enrolled adults with moderate presbyopia; efficacy in individuals with more advanced disease or comorbid ocular conditions remains to be fully established. There is also limited data regarding the impact on night vision or potential for chronic miotic-induced side effects over years of use.
Conclusion
The FDA approval of Vizz (aceclidine ophthalmic solution 1.44%) provides a novel, once-daily, non-surgical option for adults with presbyopia. Supported by robust clinical data, Vizz offers rapid, sustained improvement in near vision with a favorable safety profile and minimal risk of myopic shift. Its upcoming commercial availability represents a meaningful advance in the therapeutic landscape and may reduce the burden of presbyopia for millions. Ongoing surveillance and future research will be vital to assess its long-term utility and comparative effectiveness.
References
1. Lenz Therapeutics Press Release. FDA Approves Vizz™ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution) for the Treatment of Presbyopia. 2024.
2. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Presbyopia: Clinical Overview. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/presbyopia-overview
3. Abdelkader A, Kaufman PL. Clinical pharmacology of presbyopia-correcting eye drops. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2022;33(4):251-257.
4. Waring GO et al. Safety and efficacy of pharmacologic treatments for presbyopia: A systematic review. Ophthalmology. 2023;130(2):175-183.
