LENZ Therapeutics and Laboratoires Théa (“Théa”) announced an exclusive license and commercialization agreement for Théa to register and commercialize LNZ100 for the treatment of presbyopia in Canada. LENZ Therapeutics is a pre-commercial stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of the first and only aceclidine-based eye drop to improve near vision in people with presbyopia, which has a US FDA PDUFA date of August 8, 2025. Théa is an independent pharmaceutical company specialized in the research, development and commercialization of eye-care products.
Agreement Details and Market Potential
Under the terms of the licensing and commercialization agreement, LENZ will be eligible to receive over $70 million in upfront, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered, double-digit royalties on net sales. Théa will have exclusive development, manufacturing, registration and commercialization rights for LNZ100 for the treatment of presbyopia in Canada.
“Théa is a leading company in eyecare in key markets around the world and was a natural choice for LENZ when looking for a highly capable commercial partner in Canada. With its strong position in commercializing eye drops, Théa is uniquely positioned to bring the benefits of LNZ100 to patients in this key market.” said Eef Schimmelpennink, President and Chief Executive Officer of LENZ Therapeutics. “This agreement represents our third commercialization partnership outside the United States for LNZ100, as we continue to be focused on maximizing patient access to this important therapy worldwide.”
Jean-Frédéric Chibret, President of Théa, commented: “Canada is an important part of Théa’s international development, and we have been active in the country for several years. Our local team plays an essential role in supporting both patients and eye care professionals. This partnership with LENZ will expand our portfolio with a promising therapy targeting a prevalent condition that affects millions of adults. We see strong potential for LNZ100 in Canada and look forward to initiating the registration process and making the treatment available to Canadian healthcare providers and their patients.
In October 2024, LENZ announced that the FDA accepted the NDA for LNZ100 for the treatment of presbyopia, a condition that impacts an estimated 1.8 billion people globally and 128 million people in the United States. The FDA has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of August 8, 2025 for LNZ100, and noted it is not planning to hold an Advisory Committee Meeting to discuss this application.
