Astellas, 4DMT Enter Intravitreal R100 Vector License Agreement

Astellas Pharma Inc. and 4D Molecular Therapeutics, entered into a license agreement under which Astellas gains rights to utilize 4DMT’s intravitreal retinotropic R100 vector for one genetic target implicated in rare monogenic ophthalmic disease(s), with options to add up to two additional targets.

R100 is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector for intravitreal delivery. It has the ability to penetrate the internal limiting membrane barrier and to efficiently transduce the entire retina, resulting in transgene expression within retinal cells. All three 4DMT clinical-stage ophthalmic product candidates utilize the R100 vector, including 4D-150 for wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.

Astellas will conduct all subsequent research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization activities. 4DMT will receive $20 million upfront, and potential future option fees and milestones of up to $942.5 million, including potential milestones of $15 million for the initial target. In addition, 4DMT is entitled to receive royalties on sales of all licensed products.

“This collaboration with Astellas, a leader in AAV gene therapy, continues to validate R100 for routine intravitreal low dose delivery of genetic payloads for the treatment of retinal diseases,” said David Kirn, Co-Founder and CEO of 4DMT. “With over 70 patients dosed to-date with R100-based product candidates in wet age-related macular degeneration and rare ophthalmic diseases, this collaboration also demonstrates the modularity of the Therapeutic Vector Evolution platform resulting in efficient design and development of new intravitreal products. 4DMT retains rights to large market non-hereditary ophthalmic diseases.”

Adam Pearson, chief strategy officer at Astellas said, “At Astellas, we have a strong commitment to developing novel treatments for ophthalmic diseases and have positioned Blindness & Regeneration as one of the Primary Focuses of our R&D strategy. Staying at the forefront of gene therapy technology is a key part of our strategy. We believe that this collaboration will bring synergies between the two companies’ cutting-edge research and will ultimately lead to the development of new therapeutics for patients with ophthalmic diseases at high risk of blindness.”