Gilead Sciences has announced it will acquire biotechnology company Arcellx for an implied equity value of $7.8 billion.
Arcellx develops innovative immunotherapies for cancer and other incurable diseases.
The acquisition builds on an existing collaboration between Kite, a Gilead company, and Arcellx to co-develop and co-commercialize Arcellx’s lead candidate, anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel). The investigational BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy targets patients with multiple myeloma, a disease where many eventually relapse and exhaust treatment options.
Clinical trials show that anito-cel produces deep, durable responses with a predictable and manageable safety profile, addressing key limitations of current CAR T therapies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted the Biologics License Application (BLA) for anito-cel as a fourth-line treatment, with a PDUFA action date expected on December 23, 2026.
“This agreement reflects our conviction in the potential of anito-cel and our intention to move with speed so we can make the most of that potential for patients with multiple myeloma,” said Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gilead Sciences.
"Beyond the potential launch this year, anito-cel could become a foundational treatment for multiple myeloma over time, including earlier lines of therapy. In addition, the anito-cel D-domain BCMA binder could be important to our work in in vivo cell therapy, further strengthening our potential in oncology and inflammation.”
Arcellx’s D-Domain CAR technology platform has produced proprietary target-binding domains with improved specificity and binding affinity, with potential applications in next-generation CAR T-cell and bispecific therapies.
“The story of Arcellx is one of innovation, passion, resilience and teamwork. I could not be prouder of our team, our contribution to the myeloma field, and the impact anito-cel and our D-Domain platform are poised to have for patients and clinicians,” said Rami Elghandour, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arcellx.
“We are fortunate to have found a world-class partner in Gilead, which has the expertise to carry forward Arcellx’s legacy. Kite is well-positioned to maximize access to anito-cel, benefiting more patients, and the company’s commitment to be the leader in cell therapy is one I admire.”
