4DMT Refocuses Gene Therapy Efforts, Accelerates Wet AMD Program While Discontinuing IRD Programs
For individuals and families navigating the complexities of Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs), news from the biotech sector often carries significant weight. Recently, 4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT) announced a strategic shift that will impact the IRD community, as the company streamlines its focus to accelerate its late-stage gene therapy program for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This decision, while aiming to expedite a potential treatment for wet AMD, also includes the discontinuation of certain early-stage IRD gene therapy programs.
According to Fierce Biotech, 4DMT laid off 25% of its workforce in June 2025, primarily impacting early-stage research and development (R&D) and support functions. This restructuring is intended to generate approximately $15 million in annual cash compensation cost savings, helping the company extend its financial runway into 2028. The company stated that these savings will offset additional expenses incurred due to the accelerated timelines for its 4D-150 wet AMD clinical trials and preparations for a Biologics License Application (BLA).
In January 2025, 4DMT had already announced plans to terminate its early-stage rare disease clinical programs for choroideremia (4D-110) and X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (4D-125). The company also indicated it would not invest additional capital into new preclinical product candidates at that time, pending further financing or partnerships. This latest workforce reduction aligns with the company's previously stated strategy to focus on its late-stage pipeline.
The primary focus for 4DMT is now its 4D-150 program for wet AMD. The company is accelerating the timeline for its Phase 3 4FRONT clinical trials. The 4FRONT-1 trial, conducted in North America, has reportedly exceeded initial enrollment and site activation goals, with top-line 52-week data now expected in early 2027, six months earlier than initially projected. The global Phase 3 4FRONT-2 trial was initiated ahead of schedule in June 2025. 4DMT CEO David Kirn, M.D., stated that the company has