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SAN DIEGO - LENZ Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:LENZ), a $728 million market cap biopharmaceutical company currently trading at $25.87, has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Lotus Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TWSE:1795) for the commercialization of its presbyopia treatment, LNZ100, in the Republic of Korea and select Southeast Asian countries. According to InvestingPro analysis, LENZ maintains a strong balance sheet with more cash than debt, positioning it well for this strategic expansion. This strategic partnership is poised to leverage Lotus’s robust commercial infrastructure and its record of substantial revenue growth to distribute LNZ100 upon approval.
Under the agreement, LENZ will receive up to $125 million in payments, encompassing upfront, regulatory, and commercial milestones, along with tiered, double-digit royalties on future net sales. This deal comes as LENZ has demonstrated strong market performance, with InvestingPro data showing a remarkable 68% return over the past year, despite the company not yet achieving profitability. The deal grants Lotus exclusive rights for the development, manufacturing, registration, and commercialization of the LNZ100 eye drop in regions including Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Eef Schimmelpennink, President and CEO of LENZ Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Lotus, citing the company’s proven success in global partnerships and a strong commercial presence in Southeast Asia. Lotus’s CEO, Petar Vazharov, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the transformative potential of LNZ100 for over 100 million people affected by presbyopia in the targeted markets.
LENZ Therapeutics, a pre-commercial biopharmaceutical company, is developing LNZ100 as the only aceclidine-based eye drop designed to improve near vision in presbyopia patients. The condition affects an estimated 1.8 billion individuals worldwide, including 128 million in the United States.
The FDA has accepted LENZ’s New Drug Application (NDA) for LNZ100 and set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of August 8, 2025. The agency has indicated that it does not plan to convene an Advisory Committee Meeting for the application. Analyst sentiment remains positive, with InvestingPro showing price targets ranging from $36 to $60, reflecting confidence in the company’s potential. Get access to 8 more exclusive ProTips and comprehensive financial analysis for LENZ through InvestingPro’s detailed research reports.
This partnership is based on a press release statement from LENZ Therapeutics, Inc.
In other recent news, LENZ Therapeutics Inc. reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, showcasing a robust cash position of $194.1 million. Despite a net loss per share of $0.53, the company continues its focus on presbyopia treatment with its product LNZ100, which has a PDUFA target date set for August 8, 2025. The company is preparing for the commercial launch of LNZ100, aiming for a cash flow positive position by targeting eye care professionals and leveraging influencer marketing by early 2026. Operating expenses for the quarter increased by 11% to $16.9 million, largely due to commercial headcount expansion and pre-launch activities. LENZ Therapeutics also reported a significant increase in SG&A expenses to $11.3 million, nearly doubling from the same period in 2024. The company is optimistic about its market strategy, with over 40% of its sales force positions accepted by experienced professionals. The presbyopia market, affecting 128 million Americans, is estimated to have a potential value of over $3 billion, presenting a substantial opportunity for LENZ Therapeutics.
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