Shanghai-based CORXEL, formerly known as Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals, supported by RTW Investments, has announced that it has received approval from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) to conduct Phase III clinical trials for its LNZ100 (aceclidine) and LNZ101 (aceclidine/brimonidine) in presbyopia.
Exclusive Rights and Licensing Deal with LENZ Therapeutics
Ji Xing obtained exclusive development and commercialization rights to both LNZ100 and LNZ101 through a licensing deal with LENZ Therapeutics (NASDAQ: LENZ) in April 2022. Aceclidine, the active ingredient in these therapies, is a small molecule parasympathetic nervous system pupil constrictor. It has the potential to increase the depth of field and improve the decline in near vision caused by presbyopia through a unique pupil shrinking mechanism.
Aceclidine’s Mechanism of Action and Selectivity
Aceclidine is positioned as the first and only investigational drug ingredient capable of selectively activating the muscarine acetylcholine receptor (mAchR) on the pupil sphincter. This selectivity makes it a promising candidate for the treatment of presbyopia, a condition that affects a significant portion of the aging population.-Fineline Info & Tech
