4DMT secures $85 million Otsuka deal to fund Phase III program

US biotech 4D Molecular Therapeutics (Nasdaq: FDMT) has granted Japan’s Otsuka Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4578) exclusive rights to develop and commercialize its gene therapy 4D-150 in Asia-Pacific markets, securing $85 million upfront to help fund its Phase III program for wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.

Under the agreement, Otsuka will manage regulatory and commercial work in Japan, China, Australia and other regional territories, while 4DMT will lead global late-stage trials. The deal includes at least $50 million in cost-sharing over the next three years, up to $336 million in milestone payments, and tiered double-digit royalties on eventual sales.

Chief executive David Kirn called the collaboration “a key pillar” of 4DMT’s global strategy, while chief commercial officer Chris Simms described Asia-Pacific as a “large and underserved retina market.” Otsuka president Makoto Inoue said the partnership could help “prevent vision loss through a single, potentially lifelong administration.”