CAP4196

**CAP4196** is a topical eye drop prodrug formulation of tolcapone (CAP1160), an FDA-approved drug repurposed as a small-molecule activator and modulator of alpha-A-crystallin (AAC), a key lens protein that maintains transparency by preventing protein aggregation. Developed by Plex Pharmaceuticals, it is designed for nonsurgical treatment of age-related cataracts by increasing AAC chaperone-like activity (CLA), delaying cataract formation, and potentially reversing early opacities. Preclinical studies show promising efficacy in organ cultures and in vivo dog models, with ongoing efforts toward IND-enabling studies and first-in-human trials supported by NIH grants.[1][2][3][4][5]