FDA approves aceclidine-based drop for presbyopia

LENZ Therapeutics announced FDA approval for VIZZ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution) 1.44%, for treatment of presbyopia. According to the company’s press release, this is the first and only aceclidine-based drop for this age-related condition, and samples are anticipated in October 2025 with commercial launch expected in the fourth quarter. The approval, the press release continued, is based on three randomized, double-masked, controlled Phase 3 studies. In these studies, there were no serious treatment-related adverse events over more than 30,000 treatment days, the company reported. The most common adverse reactions were instillation site irritation, dim vision, and headache; most were mild, transient, and self-resolving, according to the company.

Back to top

Long-term data supports efficacy of continuous wet AMD treatment

Genentech announced 5-year safety, efficacy, and durability data from its Phase 3 extension study of Susvimo (ranibizumab injection) for treatment of wet AMD. According to the company’s press release, one group (220 participants) initially received Susvimo, which was refilled every 6 months, and another group (132 participants) initially was treated with monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injections then received Susvimo with refills every 6 months. At 5 years, the “results showed consistent and sustained disease control and retinal drying in a population who entered [the study] with vision at or near peak levels after receiving an average of five intravitreal injections per standard of care.” In the group that received only Susvimo, BCVA was 74.4 letters at baseline and 67.6 letters at 5 years. Those in the intravitreal injections followed by Susvimo group had a BCVA of 76.3 letters at baseline followed by 68.6 letters at 5 years. According to the press release, “half of all patients had better than 20/40 vision at 5 years (Snellen visual acuity test).” Central subfield thickness was stable; the Susvimo cohort had a 1.4 µm reduction from baseline, and the intravitreal followed by Susvimo cohort had a 4.2 µm reduction from baseline.

Back to top

First patient dosed in trial for drug-eluting lacrimal canaliculus plug

Raytone Biotech announced the first patient dosed in its trial of RTP-008, a bioabsorbable tacrolimus lacrimal canaliculus plug for moderate to severe dry eye disease. According to the company’s press release, no adverse reactions have been observed to date. Additionally, RTP-008 is intended to address tear retention frequently associated with dry eye disease and inflammation. Tacrolimus, according to the press release, is an anti-inflammatory agent.

Back to top

Acquisition news

Alcon announced its intent to acquire STAAR Surgical. According to the company’s press release, the transaction is anticipated to close in 6–12 months.

Back to top

ASCRS news and events

• Business of Refractive Cataract Surgery Summit: This course, taking place October 3–5, in Chicago, Illinois, along with its extensive, take-home Resource Library, will help practices gain the navigational tools needed to increase premium IOL adoption and lead patients effectively on their refractive surgery journey. Learn more.
• ASCRS Live!: This educational dinner series is heading to several cities across the U.S. in 2025. Registration is open for the next event in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 21.
• 2026 ASCRS Annual Meeting: Hotel room blocks are open for the 2026 ASCRS Annual Meeting, taking place in Washington, D.C., April 10–13, 2026. The call for submissions is also ongoing until September 1. Submit an abstract and get involved in the 2026 ASCRS Annual Meeting.
• A prospective, parallel-arm, randomized, patient- and examiner-masked clinical study compared the visual and patient-reported outcomes of bilateral implantation of PanOptix (Alcon) or Synergy (Johnson & Johnson Vision) IOLs. The study’s endpoint included binocular UDVA and CDVA at distance, intermediate (60 cm), and near (40 cm and 33 cm), defocus curve, patient-reported visual disturbances, spectacle independence, and visual satisfaction based on questionnaires given at 6 months, as well as binocular contrast sensitivity at 3 months. PanOptix (n=138) was found to be non-inferior to Synergy in terms of binocular UDVA and CDVA at all distances and, according to the authors, similar trends were seen for mesopic intermediate and near visual acuity. Fewer patients with PanOptix reported experiencing starburst and glare. Patients in both groups rarely needed spectacles, and they reported high satisfaction with their vision. Both IOLs also provided similar binocular contrast sensitivity in photopic and mesopic conditions. The study was published in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
• A longitudinal study published in the Journal of Glaucoma sought to determine the impact of physical activity on visual field progression rates in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. The study was based on patients who had 5 or more visits and 2 or more years of follow-ups with visual fields who also had physical activity questionaries at baseline. Physical activity levels were assessed with the physical activity index (PAI), metabolic equivalents of task (MET)-minutes, and walking pace. One hundred and thirty-one eyes from 80 patients were included in the study. The authors found that there was slower visual field loss associated with those who were in the active PAI category vs. those in the inactive PAI category and who had higher amounts of physical activity MET minutes. There was not an association between rate of visual field loss and walking pace. Overall, “higher [physical activity] amounts are an independent predictor of a slower rate of [visual field mean deviation] loss,” the authors concluded. More research is needed to see whether increased physical activity is protective against disease progression.

Back to top

Research highlights

• A prospective, parallel-arm, randomized, patient- and examiner-masked clinical study compared the visual and patient-reported outcomes of bilateral implantation of PanOptix (Alcon) or Synergy (Johnson & Johnson Vision) IOLs. The study’s endpoint included binocular UDVA and CDVA at distance, intermediate (60 cm), and near (40 cm and 33 cm), defocus curve, patient-reported visual disturbances, spectacle independence, and visual satisfaction based on questionnaires given at 6 months, as well as binocular contrast sensitivity at 3 months. PanOptix (n=138) was found to be non-inferior to Synergy in terms of binocular UDVA and CDVA at all distances and, according to the authors, similar trends were seen for mesopic intermediate and near visual acuity. Fewer patients with PanOptix reported experiencing starburst and glare. Patients in both groups rarely needed spectacles, and they reported high satisfaction with their vision. Both IOLs also provided similar binocular contrast sensitivity in photopic and mesopic conditions. The study was published in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
• A longitudinal study published in the Journal of Glaucoma sought to determine the impact of physical activity on visual field progression rates in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. The study was based on patients who had 5 or more visits and 2 or more years of follow-ups with visual fields who also had physical activity questionaries at baseline. Physical activity levels were assessed with the physical activity index (PAI), metabolic equivalents of task (MET)-minutes, and walking pace. One hundred and thirty-one eyes from 80 patients were included in the study. The authors found that there was slower visual field loss associated with those who were in the active PAI category vs. those in the inactive PAI category and who had higher amounts of physical activity MET minutes. There was not an association between rate of visual field loss and walking pace. Overall, “higher [physical activity] amounts are an independent predictor of a slower rate of [visual field mean deviation] loss,” the authors concluded. More research is needed to see whether increased physical activity is protective against disease progression.

Back to top

---