AAA 4D Molecular forgoes IPO option

4D Molecular forgoes IPO option

4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT), the US-based gene therapy developer backed by pharmaceutical firms Chiesi Group and Pfizer, withdrew its application for an initial public offering on Tuesday.

Founded in 2013, 4DMT is working on adeno-associated virus-based treatments for a genetic disorder known as Fabry disease, in addition to retinal conditions retinitis pigmentosa and choroideremia, and cystic fibrosis-related lung disease.

The company filed for a $100m IPO in September 2019 but had not set a price range for the offering and did not provide a reason for its withdrawal.

The decision could be related to 4DMT closing a $75m series C round last month led by hedge fund manager Viking Global Investors and backed by corporate venturing units Chiesi Ventures and Pfizer Ventures, as well as MiraeAsset and Berkeley Catalyst Fund.

4DMT said at the time of the series C funding that the proceeds would be able to fund proof-of-concept trials for its first three product candidates, and to upgrade its manufacturing capabilities.

The June round took the company’s total funding to more than $183m and it came after Viking Global led its $90m series B round in September 2018.

Pfizer Ventures, Chiesi Ventures, CureDuchenne Ventures, Berkeley Catalyst Fund, ArrowMark Partners, Janus Henderson Investors, Biotechnology Value Fund, MiraeAsset Financial Group, Perceptive Advisors and Ridgeback Capital Investments were also among the series B investors.

By Robert Lavine

Robert Lavine is special features editor for Global Venturing.

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