Tenpoint Therapeutics Gears Up for Vision Drug Launch, Challenging AbbVie's Vuity

Tenpoint Therapeutics is making strategic moves to position itself as a formidable competitor in the presbyopia treatment market, with its eyes set on rivaling AbbVie's Vuity. The biotech company has appointed Carol Kearney as its new chief commercial officer, tasking her with spearheading the launch preparations for their promising vision drug, Brimochol PF.

Brimochol PF: A Potential Game-Changer in Presbyopia Treatment

Tenpoint's Brimochol PF, developed initially by Visus Therapeutics before its merger with Tenpoint, combines two active ingredients: carbachol and brimonidine. This dual-action approach aims to both constrict the eye's pupil and prevent it from dilating, potentially offering a longer-lasting solution for age-related blurry near vision compared to existing treatments.

The company's phase 3 program has shown encouraging results, with significant improvements in vision lasting up to eight hours. This extended duration of action could give Brimochol PF a competitive edge over AbbVie's Vuity, which may require a second dose after three to six hours.

Strategic Appointment and Launch Plans

Carol Kearney's appointment as chief commercial officer comes at a crucial time for Tenpoint. With her extensive background in ophthalmology and commercial leadership, including roles at Pfizer and Bausch + Lomb, Kearney is well-positioned to scale up the company's commercial efforts.

Tenpoint CEO Henric Bjarke expressed confidence in Kearney's abilities, stating, "With her extensive experience in ophthalmology and her commercial leadership, I am confident in Carol's ability to quickly scale up our commercial efforts and prepare for a successful launch of Brimochol PF."

The company plans to file for FDA approval of Brimochol PF in the first half of 2025, with aims to launch the product the following year. Kearney will not only oversee the U.S. launch preparations but also lead Tenpoint's global expansion efforts.

Market Landscape and Competition

Tenpoint's aggressive entry into the presbyopia treatment market comes in the wake of AbbVie's challenges with Vuity. Despite winning FDA approval in November 2021, AbbVie faced difficulties in market penetration, leading to a significant pullback in sales and marketing efforts just ten months after launch. The pharmaceutical giant took a $770 million pretax impairment charge related to this decision.

This market volatility underscores both the potential and the challenges in addressing presbyopia, a condition affecting many individuals from their mid-40s onward. As Tenpoint prepares to enter this space, the company's success will likely hinge on its ability to differentiate Brimochol PF and effectively communicate its benefits to both healthcare providers and patients.