Core Insights - 4D Molecular Therapeutics has announced a strategic partnership with Otsuka Pharmaceutical to develop and commercialize 4D-150 for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) in the Asia-Pacific region [1][2][3] Company Overview - 4D Molecular Therapeutics is a late-stage biotechnology company focused on developing durable and disease-targeted therapeutics, with its lead product candidate 4D-150 aimed at treating blinding retinal vascular diseases [10] - 4D-150 is designed to provide multi-year sustained delivery of anti-VEGF therapies through a single intravitreal injection, significantly reducing the treatment burden associated with current therapies [10][6] Partnership Details - The partnership grants Otsuka exclusive rights to develop and commercialize 4D-150 in Japan, China, Australia, and other APAC markets, while 4DMT will lead global Phase 3 clinical activities [3][4] - 4DMT will receive an upfront cash payment of $85 million and at least $50 million in cost sharing over the next three years, along with potential milestone payments of up to $336 million and tiered royalties based on net sales in Otsuka's territories [4][6] Market Context - Wet AMD and DME are significant causes of vision loss globally, with wet AMD expected to affect over 4 million individuals in major markets within the next five years and DME affecting approximately one million individuals in the U.S. [8][9] - The partnership aims to address the high prevalence of these diseases in the APAC region, which is characterized by regulatory complexities and a need for improved patient access to innovative therapies [5][2]