Astellas, 4D Molecular Therapeutics Agree to Licensing Deal

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Images/nerthuz

Astellas Pharma Inc., and 4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT), a clinical stage biotherapeutics company, revealed an agreement in which Astellas will be given the rights to operate he intravitreal retinotropic R100* vector invented by 4DMT. Starting off with one genetic target implicated in rare monogenic ophthalmic diseases, the option to include two additional targets will be included after paying additional option exercise fees.

Invented by 4DMT for intravitreal delivery, R100 is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. Reportedly, it has the capability to penetrate the internal limiting membrane barrier and to efficiently transduce the entire retina, resulting in robust transgene expression within retinal cells.

"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, MD, co-founder, CEO, 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."

Reference: Astellas and 4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT) Enter into License Agreement to Use 4DMT's Proprietary Intravitreal R100 Vector for Rare Ophthalmic Targets. PR Newswire. July 10, 2023. Accessed July 11, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/astellas-and-4d-molecular-therapeutics-4dmt-enter-into-license-agreement-to-use-4dmts-proprietary-intravitreal-r100-vector-for-rare-ophthalmic-targets-301872750.html