SAN DIEGO, June 7, 2026
LENZ Therapeutics announced that Everest Medicines has acquired the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize VIZZ® (LNZ100) in Greater China through an Asset Purchase Agreement with Corxel Pharmaceuticals. The transaction covers mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan and represents a significant step toward expanding access to the first and only aceclidine-based eye drop approved for the treatment of presbyopia. The agreement strengthens LENZ’s international commercialization strategy while positioning Everest Medicines to advance the product in one of the world’s largest ophthalmology markets.
Everest Medicines Advances VIZZ Commercialization in China
LENZ Therapeutics confirmed that Everest Medicines will assume the rights and obligations previously held by Corxel Pharmaceuticals under a licensing agreement signed in 2022. Everest Medicines, a biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative therapies across ophthalmology, cardiovascular, kidney, metabolic, autoimmune, and critical care diseases, plans to continue advancing the regulatory review and future commercialization of VIZZ in Greater China. The company believes the treatment offers a differentiated and non-invasive option for patients with presbyopia, a condition that continues to affect a growing aging population across Asia.
China Regulatory Review Continues for LNZ100
The New Drug Application (NDA) for LNZ100 was submitted to China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in September 2025 and remains under review. Regulatory approval is anticipated in the first quarter of 2027. If approved, VIZZ could become a new treatment option for millions of adults experiencing age-related near-vision loss. The therapy has already received approval in the United States, where it is marketed as the first FDA-approved aceclidine-based eye drop specifically developed for presbyopia treatment.
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Agreement Creates Future Milestone and Royalty Opportunities
Under the terms of the arrangement, LENZ Therapeutics remains eligible to receive up to $85 million in future regulatory and sales milestone payments, along with tiered royalties ranging from the mid-single digits to low double digits on net sales generated in Greater China. The company may also receive additional payments related to the completion of the transaction between Corxel and Everest Medicines. Management stated that the partnership will support the continued development and future launch of VIZZ while expanding access to innovative ophthalmic treatments throughout the region.
Growing Opportunity in the Presbyopia Market
Presbyopia affects an estimated 1.8 billion people worldwide, including approximately 128 million individuals in the United States alone. As demand grows for convenient, non-surgical vision correction options, VIZZ has emerged as a promising treatment designed to improve near vision through a simple eye-drop formulation. LENZ Therapeutics continues to pursue international licensing partnerships while expanding commercialization efforts globally. The company believes the Everest Medicines agreement represents an important milestone in bringing VIZZ to additional patients and strengthening its position in the global ophthalmology market.
Source: LENZ Therapeutics, press release
