By Chris Wack

4D Molecular Therapeutics Inc. said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Fast Track Designation for 4D-125 for treatment of patients with inherited retinal dystrophies due to defects in the RPGR gene, including X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa.

The company said 4D-125 is a targeted and evolved R100-based product candidate, which was invented at 4DMT for efficient intravitreal delivery, and is designed to deliver a functional copy of the RPGR gene to photoreceptors in the retina.

The FDA's Fast Track process is designed to accelerate the development and review of treatments for serious and life-threatening diseases where no treatment exists or where the treatment in discovery may provide advantages over what is currently available. A drug candidate that receives Fast Track designation is eligible for more frequent communication with the FDA throughout the drug development process and a rolling and/or priority review of its marketing application if relevant criteria are met.

4D Molecular shares were up 4% to $19.51 in premarket trading.

Write to Chris Wack at chris.wack@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

01-10-22 0830ET