Gene therapy for diabetic macular edema

A Phase 2 Randomized, Active-Controlled, Double-masked Trial of Intravitreal 4D-150 Gene Therapy in Adults With Diabetic Macular Edema (SPECTRA)

PHASE2 · 4D Molecular Therapeutics · NCT05930561

This study is testing a new gene therapy called 4D-150 to see if it can improve vision and retinal health in adults with diabetic macular edema.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Sponsor4D Molecular Therapeutics (industry)
Drugs / interventionsbevacizumab, sunitinib
Locations15 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 14 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05930561 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase 2 trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of 4D-150, a retinal gene therapy, in adults with diabetic macular edema (DME). The study is designed as a randomized, active-controlled, double-masked, dose-ranging trial and will be conducted in two parts: Dose Confirmation and Dose Expansion. Participants will receive either 4D-150 or aflibercept through intravitreal injection, with the aim of assessing improvements in visual acuity and retinal health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with Type I or Type II diabetes and clinically significant diabetic macular edema affecting their vision.

Not a fit: Patients whose macular edema is caused by factors other than diabetic macular edema will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve vision and quality of life for patients suffering from diabetic macular edema.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar gene therapy approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥18 years of age
* Type I or Type II diabetes mellitus with macular thickening secondary to DME involving the center of the fovea; diagnosis of DME must be within 2 years of Screening
* Demonstrate clinical response to on-study aflibercept injection in the study eye.
* Decreased visual acuity attributable primarily to DME
* BCVA in the study eye between 25 and 83 ETDRS letters, inclusive (\~20/320 and 20/25, respectively) at Screening
* Study eye amenable to IVT injection
* Sufficient clear ocular media, pupil dilation and fixation in the study eye to permit adequate imaging; ability to perform tests of visual and retinal function and structure; and ability to comply with other protocol-specified procedures
* Provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Macular edema in the study eye considered to be secondary to a cause other than DME
* Systemic anti-VEGF treatment (e.g. sunitinib, bevacizumab, pazopanib) within 6 months, or anticipated need for systemic anti-VEGF therapy during study participation
* Systemic corticosteroids (oral, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-articular) or other immunosuppressive medications within 3 months
* Received an investigational drug, agent, device, or therapy (ocular or non-ocular) in the 3 months (or at least 5 half-lives, whichever is longer) prior to 4D-150 administration (Day 1)
* Prior gene therapy (ocular or non-ocular) and/or ocular stem cell therapy in either eye
* Any concurrent ocular condition in the study eye that is likely to require surgical intervention (e.g. cataract surgery) during the 2 year (104 week) study duration

Note: Other inclusion/exclusion criteria apply.

Where this trial is running

Phoenix, Arizona and 14 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Diabetic Macular Edema, Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal gene therapy, Intravitreal gene therapy, DME, SPECTRA

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.