July 10 Quick Takes: Astellas licenses 4D’s AAV vector

Astellas’ drive into gene therapies continues through a deal with 4D Molecular Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:FDMT) that gives the pharma access to an AAV vector for ophthalmic diseases. Astellas gains rights to the intravitreal retinotropic R100 vector for one target involved in rare monogenic ophthalmic diseases and options to two additional targets. 4D will receive $20 million up front and is eligible for milestones and option fees of up to $942.5 million, plus mid-single to double-digit royalties. Astellas’ gene therapy deals during the past year include a licensing deal with Kate Therapeutics Inc. for a gene therapy to treat X-linked myotubular myopathy and a strategic investment in Taysha Gene Therapies Inc. (NASDAQ:TSHA).

French biotech Nanobiotix S.A. (Euronext:NANO; NASDAQ:NBTX) rose $1.27 (25%) to $6.45 on NASDAQ Monday after announcing a deal that grants Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) ex-Asia rights to radioenhancer NTBXR3, which is in the Phase III NANORAY-312 trial to treat locally advanced head and neck cancer. Nanobiotix will receive $30 million up front; in-kind regulatory and R&D support from J&J’s Janssen unit valued at up to $30 million for the Phase III study; and up to $30 million in equity investments in future financings from Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC Inc. Nanobiotix is also eligible for up to $1.8 billion in milestones, plus double-digit royalties. The biotech said the deal extends the company’s cash runway into 1Q24. ...