Seeking to accelerate the delivery of next-generation cancer treatments, Gilead Sciences is set to buy Arcellx in a definitive agreement worth $7.8bn. The deal is a unified effort to advance a B-cell maturation antigen-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy currently under regulatory review. By combining Arcellx’s innovative technology with Gilead’s established infrastructure, the companies aim to streamline the path to market for the therapy targeting relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
Terms of the deal
This purchase of Arcellx is a strategic move by Gilead, allowing it to assume full control over the development and future commercialisation of the lead candidate drug. It also provides the advantage of cancelling out existing profit-sharing structures, milestone payments and royalties previously owed to its partner.
The move favourably aligns with a significant regulatory milestone: the FDA recently accepted the Biologics License Application for the candidate. Preliminary clinical data submitted to the agency suggests the therapy may address specific challenges in the current treatment landscape for heavily pretreated adult patients.
Regarding the strategic shift, Daniel O’Day, Chairman and CEO, Gilead, explained: Our intention to move with speed so we can make the most of [the] potential for patients with multiple myeloma.”
Technology platform for Kite
Beyond the specific therapeutic, the acquisition includes a proprietary technology platform utilising synthetic binder domains. Kite, a Gilead company, is expected to leverage these small, stable and highly specific binders to improve binding affinity in future applications. Unlike traditional antibody-based binders, these proprietary domains are engineered for enhanced performance and could serve as a foundation for next-generation CAR T-cell, bispecific therapies and in vivo cell therapy efforts across Gilead’s oncology and inflammation pipelines.
Rami Elghandour, Chairman and CEO, Arcellx, noted the transition’s role in scaling these innovations: “Kite is well-positioned to maximise access… The company’s commitment to be the leader in cell therapy is one I admire.”
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
