LENZ Therapeutics Eyes Middle East Expansion for VIZZ™ Presbyopia Treatment

SAN DIEGO and DUBAI – January 05, 2026 – LENZ Therapeutics is set to introduce its novel presbyopia eye drop, VIZZ™, to the Middle East, a move poised to tap into a substantial and rapidly growing healthcare market. The San Diego-based pharmaceutical firm has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Lunatus, a prominent Dubai-based commercialization partner, to bring the recently FDA-approved vision-correcting therapy to millions across the region.

The partnership grants Lunatus the exclusive rights to register and commercialize VIZZ™ in key Middle Eastern territories, including the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. For LENZ, this agreement marks its fourth major international partnership since the drug's U.S. launch, signaling a confident and aggressive global expansion strategy.

A Strategic Push into a Growing Market

The decision to target the Middle East is underpinned by powerful demographic and economic trends. The region's ophthalmology market is on a steep growth trajectory, with some analysts projecting its value to exceed USD 4.4 billion by 2032, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 4.5%. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries specifically, the market is expanding even faster, with a projected CAGR of 7.3%.

This growth is fueled by an aging population, rising disposable incomes, and significant government investment in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia which are aiming to become hubs for medical tourism. Presbyopia, the age-related hardening of the eye's lens that causes a progressive loss of near vision, is a condition that affects nearly everyone over the age of 45. With an estimated 1.8 billion people affected globally, the addressable patient population in the Middle East is immense and largely underserved by non-invasive pharmaceutical solutions.

"As the commercial launch of VIZZ in the United States continues to build momentum, we are pleased to expand our network of commercial partnerships in key strategic regions outside the United States," stated Eef Schimmelpennink, President and Chief Executive Officer of LENZ Therapeutics. He emphasized that Lunatus’s capabilities and the region's unmet need make the partnership a "powerful fit."

The financial structure of the deal reflects a long-term strategic commitment. LENZ Therapeutics is set to receive upfront payments, as well as further payments tied to regulatory and commercial milestones. Crucially, the agreement also includes a significant share of revenue generated in the region, secured through a pre-determined minimum supply price for the product.

Navigating a Complex Landscape with Local Expertise

Successfully entering the Middle Eastern pharmaceutical market is notoriously complex. The region is not a monolith; it comprises a patchwork of countries each with its own distinct regulatory authority, registration timelines, and pricing controls. This fragmented landscape, combined with evolving legal frameworks and logistical hurdles, often poses a significant barrier to entry for international firms.

This is where a partner like Lunatus becomes indispensable. Founded in 2003, Lunatus has built a reputation as a premier "turnkey" commercialization partner, guiding global healthcare companies from initial regulatory submissions to sustained market growth. The company’s deep regional expertise, robust distribution network, and established relationships with healthcare professionals and authorities are critical assets. The confidence in Lunatus’s model was underscored in 2022 when Japanese trading giant Marubeni Corporation acquired a stake in the company.

"Partnering with LENZ Therapeutics marks an exciting step in expanding access to advanced eye-care solutions in the Middle East region," said Dr. Lina Kouatly, President & CEO of Lunatus. "With Lunatus’s established leadership in the ophthalmology market, regional infrastructure, and proven track record of delivering sustained double-digit growth in this field, we are confident in ensuring VIZZ’s successful launch and long-term value creation."

A New Option for Millions with Presbyopia

For the millions in the Middle East who rely on reading glasses or more invasive procedures, VIZZ™ represents a significant advancement in vision care. The condition of presbyopia forces individuals in their mid-40s and beyond to depend on corrective aids for everyday tasks like reading a menu, using a smartphone, or working on a computer.

Current options in the region range from over-the-counter reading glasses to multifocal contact lenses and a variety of surgical interventions, such as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Presby LASIK. While effective for many, surgery is invasive and not suitable for everyone, and glasses or contacts can be inconvenient.

VIZZ™ offers a novel alternative. As the first and only FDA-approved eye drop based on the active ingredient aceclidine, it works differently from other miotics. The once-daily, preservative-free drop causes a contraction of the iris, creating a "pinhole effect" that increases the depth of focus. This mechanism allows the eye to see near objects clearly without significantly affecting distance vision. Clinical data has shown that a single drop can provide clear near vision for up to 10 hours.

The Path to Market: Commercial Realities and Safety

VIZZ™ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution) 1.44% was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2025 and has been commercially available to American patients since September 2025. The journey to Middle Eastern pharmacy shelves will now begin with Lunatus spearheading the necessary regulatory submissions in each target country.

As with any new therapeutic, the safety profile is a key consideration for regulators and prescribers. According to information released by LENZ Therapeutics, the most common adverse reactions reported during clinical trials were mild and transient, including instillation site irritation, dim vision, and headache. The product's full prescribing information advises users of potential temporary dim vision and cautions against driving if vision is not clear.

The partnership with Lunatus provides LENZ Therapeutics with a clear and structured pathway to a vital international market. By leveraging established local expertise, the company aims to replicate its U.S. launch success and make its transformative presbyopia treatment a standard of care for patients across the Middle East, transforming daily life for a vast aging population.