Astellas Secures Licensing Agreement with 4D Molecular Therapeutics for Gene Therapy Vector Technology

On July 11, Astellas announced a license agreement with 4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT). The agreement grants Astellas the right to use 4DMT’s R100 vector technology. As part of the agreement 4DMT will receive a $20 million upfront payment with the potential for up to $942.5 million in future option fees. Their R100 vector technology is designed for the delivery of low-dose genetic medicines for the treatment of retinal diseases. 

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Licensing Agreement for Vector Technology 

According to their agreement, 4DMT will provide Astellas with their R100 vector technology. Astellas will also perform any further research and development, as well as its commercialization. In exchange, 4DMT will receive $20 million upfront, with near-term development milestones of $15 million for the initial target. The potential future option fees are up to $942.5 million and include the previously mentioned $15 million. Furthermore, 4DMT is entitled to receive royalties from mid-single digits to double digits without exceeding the teen range on the net sales of the product. 

Astellas intends to use the technology to deliver its genetic payloads for the treatment of rare monogenic ophthalmic diseases. The Chief Strategy Officer at Astellas, Adam Pearson, 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.”

4DMT’s Vector Technology 

4D Molecular Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the development and commercialization of gene therapy products for unmet medical needs. They are focused on the development of products for ophthalmology, pulmonology,and cardiology. They are able to accomplish this by using their customized vectors to develop genetic medicines. R100 is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector that was invented for intravitreal delivery. It differs from other AAV vectors in that it is able to deliver low doses to treat the whole retinal surface. Additionally, its intravitreal delivery method means that no sub-retinal surgery is needed. This technology enhances convenience and overall a safer experience for patients. 

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