FDA Accepts Supplemental NDA to Expand Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution Use to Presbyopia
The FDA has accepted a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) seeking to expand the indication for Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution to include the treatment of presbyopia, according to press releases from Opus Genetics and Viatris.
Ryzumvi was originally approved for the treatment of pharmacologically induced mydriasis. Acceptance of the sNDA marks an important regulatory step toward broadening its clinical use.
Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects the ability to focus on near objects and impacts millions of adults worldwide, often requiring reading glasses or other visual aids. If approved, phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% has the potential to offer a pharmacologic treatment option for patients seeking improved visual acuity without reliance on corrective lenses. The condition affects approximately 90% of adults in the U.S. over the age of 45.
“The FDA’s acceptance of our sNDA marks an important milestone in expanding the potential use of phentolamine ophthalmic solution as a differentiated approach to managing presbyopia,” said George Magrath, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, Opus Genetics. “Phentolamine is targeted to improve near vision while preserving distance vision, with a sustained effect on pupil diameter of up to 20 hours. Our team continues to make tremendous progress in advancing our mission to bring meaningful new ophthalmic treatment options to patients.”
Phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% is a preservative-free, topical ophthalmic formulation designed to modulate pupil dynamics and improve visual acuity through a sympatholytic mechanism of action that avoids engaging the ciliary muscle.
The sNDA is supported by data from a pivotal Phase 3 clinical program, including two trials, VEGA-2 and VEGA-3. Both trials demonstrated positive efficacy results for this investigational non-invasive treatment option for presbyopia, meeting the primary and all key secondary endpoints, with no treatment-related serious adverse events. The Company intends to have data from VEGA-3 presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) meeting in April 2026 in Washington, D.C. and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting in May 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% is also being investigated across additional ophthalmic indications.
Ryzumvi ® (phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75%) is currently approved in the U.S. for the treatment of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis produced by adrenergic agonists (e.g., phenylephrine) or parasympatholytic (e.g., tropicamide) agents, and is the only commercially available FDA-approved product for this use. The sNDA seeks to expand the indication to include presbyopia.
Opus Genetics and Viatris, Inc. (Viatris) (through its affiliate) are parties to a global licensing agreement which provides for the development of phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% and grants exclusive rights to Viatris to commercialize phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% in the U.S.
About Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75%
Phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% is a non-selective alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist to reduce pupil size, administered as an eye drop. It works by blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors on the iris dilator muscle. Phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% is designed to reduce pupil diameter through a sympatholytic mechanism of action that avoids engaging the ciliary muscle, potentially reducing risks such as retinal tears or detachment associated with parasympathomimetic agents. Phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% is currently approved in the U.S. for the treatment of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis produced by adrenergic agonists (e.g., phenylephrine) or parasympatholytic (e.g., tropicamide) agents; and has successfully completed a Phase 3 program for presbyopia (VEGA clinical program), and is being evaluated in a Phase 3 program for the treatment of dim (mesopic) light vision disturbances (sometimes referred to as DLD) after keratorefractive surgery (LYNX clinical program).
