SAN DIEGO—LENZ Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: LENZ), a pharmaceutical company focused on commercializing VIZZ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution) 1.44%, the first and only aceclidine-based eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia, announced that Everest Medicines (HKEX: 1952) has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Corxel Pharmaceuticals. Under the agreement, Everest will acquire the rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize VIZZ (LNZ100) across Greater China, including mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan.
Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative pharmaceutical products that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in global markets, with therapeutic areas of focus including ophthalmology, CKM (cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic), autoimmune and critical care.
The New Drug Application (NDA) for LNZ100 in China was submitted to the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of the People’s Republic of China in September 2025, with approval anticipated in the first quarter of 2027.
As part of this agreement, Everest will be assigned and transferred the rights and obligations under the LENZ License Agreement entered into by Corxel in April 2022 and certain related ancillary agreements. LENZ is eligible to receive up to $85 million in remaining regulatory and sales milestones, as well as tiered mid-single-digit to low-double-digit royalties on net sales in Greater China. LENZ is also now eligible to receive additional payments in connection with the execution of the agreement between Corxel and Everest.
“The acquisition of LNZ100 represents an important step in advancing Everest’s strategic focus in ophthalmology. LNZ100 is a differentiated asset with meaningful clinical value and strong commercial potential in the treatment of presbyopia,” said Yifang Wu, chairman of the board of Everest Medicines. “As the presbyopia patient population continues to grow, significant unmet needs remain in non-invasive treatment options. We believe LNZ100 has the potential to offer patients a novel, non-invasive therapeutic option and to further broaden the landscape of innovative ophthalmic treatments. The product has already been approved in the United States and is currently under regulatory review in China. We will continue to advance its development and commercialization to make this therapy accessible to presbyopia patients.”
“We thank the Corxel team for their partnership in the clinical execution and regulatory stewardship of LNZ100 in China,” added Eef Schimmelpennink, president and chief executive officer of LENZ Therapeutics. “We look forward to collaborating with Everest as we approach regulatory approval and commercial launch in China, providing a transformative new treatment option for millions of adults living with presbyopia.”
