LENZ Therapeutics, Inc. announced the U.S. launch of VIZZ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution) 1.44%—a presbyopia-indicated eye drop—just 2 months after its regulatory approval.
Let’s dive right into this.
VIZZ (pronounced like fizz but with a v) is formulated as a preservative-free, single-use, once-daily eye drop.
- Its claim to fame: Aceclidine as its active ingredient.
What’s so unique about aceclidine?
Primarily the “pinhole” effect it has on vision improvement and myopic shift prevention, thanks to the small-molecule cholinergic agonist’s mechanism of action as a predominantly pupil-selective mitotic.
More specifically, the eye drop:
- Has minimal ciliary muscle stimulation when interacting with the iris
- Contracts the iris sphincter muscle to generate that “pinhole” effect while also achieving a sub-2 mm pupil, extending depth of focus to “significantly improve vision” without a myopic shift
Interestingly: Though aceclidine has a history of long-standing efficacy—including being marketed for use across Europe, for over half a century, for its accommodative effects in treating open-angle glaucoma (OAG)—it had yet to be approved for presbyopia treatment …. until now.
So its approval was pretty groundbreaking, huh?
Indeed. It’s now the first and only (across the globe) aceclidine-based eye drop approved and indicated for the treatment of presbyopia.
Duly noted. Now, what kind of dosing schedule is recommended?
Per its prescribing information (PI), one drop should be instilled in each eye before waiting 2 minutes to instill a second drop (BID).
What else should we know about it?
Interestingly, the concentration level of aceclidine (1.44%) in VIZZ is actually different from what was evaluated in the clinical studies (1.75%) that led to its eventual regulatory approval.
- See here for LENZ President and CEO Eef Schimmelpennink’s explanation behind this.
Speaking of that clinical data …
VIZZ’s safety and efficacy were evaluated among adult presbyopia patients in the CLARITY phase 3 clinical program, with a vast majority achieving ≥ 3-line improvement at 30 minutes, 3 hours, and 10 hours post-administration.
- Notably: Its use was assessed among patients who previously underwent both LASIK and cataract surgery.
Check out this rundown of the full clinical findings.
And what warnings / precautions are associated with use?
As we previously reported, just a few potential developments may occur—including blurred vision and hypersensitivity.
See here for more (as well as potential adverse reactions such as headaches , eye redness, and instillation site irritation).
So! Where can I find these drops?
Per LENZ, commercial product shipments will begin this month, with broader product availability for consumers by mid-Q4 2025.
Click here for details on access and pricing.