The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a treatment for presbyopia, a nearly universal age-related vision condition, developed by Pittsburgh-based health care company Viatris.
The drug, RYZUMVI, is for the treatment of presbyopia in adults. It is the only commercially available FDA-approved product for this use. The FDA previously approved the drug for the treatment of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis in adults and pediatric patients 3 years older and older. This approval expands the product’s indications to include presbyopia.
Symptoms of presbyopia include eye strain and blurred near vision. It is caused by aging and typically becomes noticeable in the early to mid-40s. When uncorrected, it contributes to vision-related disability.
Viatris, through an affiliated entity, and Opus Genetics have a global licensing agreement that grants exclusive rights to Viatris to commercialize RYZUMVI in the United States. The company is searching for a partner in the United States to potentially commercialize RYZUMVI for the treatment of presbyopia.
Viatris is headquartered in the United States with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai and Hyderabad, India. The company’s portfolio includes generics, value-added medicines, established brands, and medicines that address unmet needs. Earlier this month, the company acquired pain therapy company Pacira BioSciences for $1.65 billion.