4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT) has announced an exclusive licence agreement with Otsuka Pharmaceutical to develop and market 4D-150, a treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic macular oedema, across Asia-Pacific (APAC), including Japan.
4D-150 delivers a prolonged, sustained release of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) from the retina with one intravitreal injection.
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The partnership involves an upfront payment of $85m from Otsuka to 4DMT, with an anticipated cost-sharing commitment of a minimum of $50m over the three years to 2028 to support worldwide development.
Beyond the initial payments, 4DMT will receive up to $336m in potential milestone payments linked to regulatory and commercial achievements, as well as tiered royalties based on net sales within Otsuka’s territories.
Otsuka gains exclusive rights to develop and market the therapy for retinal vascular conditions in Australia, China and Japan, as well as other APAC nations.
The company will also oversee regulatory filings and marketing operations in its licensed territories.
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By GlobalData4DMT will lead the global Phase III clinical programme for the therapy, including sites within the APAC region.
Opening of clinical sites in the region as part of the global Phase III 4FRONT-2 trial for wet AMD is anticipated by the end of 2025, with Japanese sites anticipated to commence in January 2026.
4DMT CEO and co-founder David Kirn stated: “We are thrilled to announce this strategic partnership with Otsuka, a leading global pharmaceutical company with a strong presence in the APAC region, reflecting our shared long-term commitment to improving outcomes for patients with retinal vascular diseases.
“This partnership is a key pillar of our global strategy, with 4DMT continuing to lead Phase III clinical trial and manufacturing activities globally, in addition to pre-commercial and commercial activities outside the APAC region.”
4DMT retains complete rights to develop and market 4D-150 outside APAC, including in Latin America, Europe and the US.
In May 2025, 4D-150 secured regenerative medicine advanced therapy (RMAT) designation from the US Food and Drug Administration for use in diabetic macular oedema.
