Monthly pipeline update: A July news roundup

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The latest in drug and technology developments and updates from July 2025.

Laboratory desk  Image credit: AdobeStock/Shutter2U

What to take away in the worlds of presbyopia, lid and lash, retina, and dry eye from the past month. Image credit: AdobeStock/Shutter2U

Major news on the presbyopia forefront closed out July with the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of Lenz Therapeutics’ VIZZ (aceclidine 1.44%). The first and only FDA-approved aceclidine eye drop for presbyopia was met with other formative developments in multiple specialties in eye care, including retina, dry eye, and lid and lash. Learn the latest in our roundup of what to take away from the month of July in terms of drug and technology updates below:

Presbyopia

FDA approved Lenz Therapeutics’ VIZZ for the treatment of presbyopia

What to know

  • The FDA has approved aceclidine 1.44% (VIZZ) eye drops, making it the first and only FDA-approved aceclidine formulation for the treatment of presbyopia (age-related near vision loss).
  • VIZZ is a pupil-selective miotic that acts on the iris to create a pinhole effect and minimally stimulates the ciliary muscle, avoiding unwanted myopic shift.
  • Sample distribution is expected to begin in October 2025.
  • A full commercial rollout is planned for mid-Q4 2025.

Lenz Therapeutics has announced that the FDA has approved its formulation of aceclidine 1.44% for the correction of near vision in adults with presbyopia. This formulation is the first and only FDA-approved aceclidine eye drop indicated for presbyopia, and its unique mechanism of action relies on a pupil-selective miotic that interacts with the iris and recruits ciliary muscle minimally. In clinical trials, the formulation showed efficacy for up to 10 hours following instillation.

Read more.

Retina

FDA grants Nanoscope rolling BLA submission of MCO-010

What to know

  • Nanoscope Therapeutics has initiated a rolling Biologics License Application (BLA) submission to the FDA for MCO-010, a therapy targeting retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
  • The full BLA submission is expected to be completed in early 2026.
  • MCO-010 is a gene-agnostic gene therapy, meaning it is not dependent on specific genetic mutations.
  • If approved, it would be the first such therapy approved for retinal disease, potentially restoring vision in legally blind patients with RP.

Today Nanoscope Therapeutics announced its rolling submission of a biologics license application (BLA) to the FDA for MCO-010 for the treatment of vision loss caused by retinitis pigmentosa (RP).1

Nanoscope’s BLA has been granted rolling review by the FDA, with the first modules already submitted. The completion of the full BLA submission is anticipated in early 2026 and is eligible for priority review under the program’s fast-track designation.

Read more.

Dry eye

FDA accepts for review Aldeyra Therapeutics’ resubmitted new drug application for reproxalap

What to know

  • The FDA has accepted Aldeyra's resubmitted New Drug Application (NDA) for topical ocular reproxalap, a treatment for dry eye disease.
  • A PDUFA action date (when the FDA is expected to make a decision) has been set for December 16, 2025.
  • Aldeyra received two prior Complete Response Letters (CRLs) from the FDA, one in November 2023 and the other in April 2025.
  • Both CRLs cited a lack of demonstrated efficacy in treating ocular symptoms of dry eye.

The FDA has accepted for review the resubmitted new drug application (NDA) for topical ocular reproxalap for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease from Aldeyra Therapeutics.1

Aldeyra resubmitted its NDA to the FDA in June 20252 after receiving 2 complete response letters (CRL) from the FDA in April 2025 and November 2023 for past submissions.

Read more.

Cornea

Ziemer USA, CorneaGen launch GALILEI CTAK module for GALILEI diagnostic platform

What to know

  • Ziemer USA and CorneaGen have launched the GALILEI CTAK module for use with the GALILEI diagnostic platform.
  • The module is designed for corneal tissue addition for keratoplasty (CTAK) and can be used in combination with Ziemer’s FEMTO LDV Z8 femtosecond laser.
  • This launch aims to offer a comprehensive surgical solution for keratoplasty patients, integrating diagnostic and surgical platforms.

In partnership with CorneaGen, Ziemer USA has launched its GALILEI CTAK module, now available for use with the GALILEI diagnostic platform.1 The module can be used in combination with Ziemer’s FEMTO LDV Z8 femtosecond laser platform, an all-in-one laser for refractive, cataract, and therapeutic surgery that can also be used for corneal tissue addition for keratoplasty (CTAK) procedures, according to a news release.

The module is now available in the US market, but will require a software update to existing GALILEI systems.

Read more.

Lid and lash

Viatris' phase 3 trial of pimecrolimus 0.3% (MR-139) for blepharitis fails to meet primary end point

What to know

  • Viatris' phase 3 study (MR-139 3001 trial) assessing the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus 0.3% ophthalmic ointment in patients with blepharitis did not achieve its primary endpoint.
  • The trial aimed for complete debris resolution after 6 weeks of twice-daily dosing, but the objective was not met.
  • Viatris is evaluating its next steps for the phase 3 program. This may include revising the planned additional phase 3 study.
  • Despite the setback with MR-139, Viatris continues to focus on its novel therapies like Tyrvaya and Ryzumvi.

Viatris announced that its phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus 0.3% (MR-139) ophthalmic ointment in subjects with blepharitis did not meet the primary end point.

The MR-139 3001 phase 3 trial (NCT06400511) was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked prospective study. A total of 477 patients were randomly assigned to receive either MR-139 or placebo, self-administered to the eyelids twice daily. Patients were treated and observed over 12 weeks.

Read more.

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