California, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Kite, a subsidiary of Gilead Sciences, has agreed to acquire Philadelphia-based Interius BioTherapeutics for $350 million. This acquisition aims to enhance the development of in vivo CAR T-cell therapies, a significant advancement in cancer treatment. Following the merger, Interius’s operations will integrate into Kite’s research team, creating a new center of excellence in Philadelphia. The innovative technology from Interius allows for CAR T-cell generation directly within patients, streamlining the treatment process and potentially improving patient access to therapies.
California – Kite, a prominent global biopharmaceutical company and a subsidiary of Gilead Sciences Inc., has announced its definitive agreement to acquire Interius BioTherapeutics, a Philadelphia-based biotech firm, for $350 million. This strategic acquisition is aimed at enhancing the development of next-generation in vivo CAR T-cell therapies, a rapidly advancing area in cancer treatment.
The deal, involving the purchase of all outstanding share capital from Interius, is set to close with cash payments at the time of acquisition. Following the merger, the employees and operations of Interius will be integrated into Kite’s research team, resulting in a consolidated center of excellence located in Philadelphia dedicated to developing innovative in vivo therapies.
Phil Johnson, President and CEO of Interius, highlighted that this acquisition represents a significant milestone in the evolution of in vivo therapies, with the goal of shortening treatment timelines and enhancing patient outcomes. Interius’s technology platform is designed to create ex vivo CAR T-cells directly within the patient’s body by integrating DNA into the patient’s genome, setting it apart from conventional CAR T therapies that necessitate cell harvesting, engineering, and reinfusion.
This pioneering approach enables treatment via a single intravenous infusion, eliminating the need for preconditioning chemotherapy, which is often a prerequisite in traditional methods. The adaptable structure of Interius’s platform also allows for swift modifications across multiple disease states, potentially increasing patient accessibility to cell therapies, particularly for those facing rapidly progressing diseases.
Cindy Perettie, Executive Vice President of Kite, emphasized the importance of combining the innovative capabilities of Interius with Kite’s extensive experience as a means to accelerate advancements in in vivo therapies.
Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Kite will pay a total of $350 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. This acquisition is projected to impact Gilead’s GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) by approximately $0.23 to $0.25 in the year 2025.
The transaction is contingent upon the expiration or termination of the waiting period outlined under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and must meet other customary conditions before completion. Financial advisory roles are being filled by TD Cowen for Kite and Evercore for Interius.
Kite is recognized for its contributions to cell therapy, having treated more patients with CAR T-cell therapy than any other organization in the sector. This acquisition further complements Gilead Sciences’ legacy as a leading innovator in medical science, as the company has been at the forefront of medical breakthroughs for over three decades and maintains operations in more than 35 countries worldwide. Interius BioTherapeutics is noted for its focused efforts on engineering targeted, programmable vectors intended for precise delivery of genetic therapies, aimed at addressing various complex diseases.
Key Features of Kite’s Acquisition of Interius BioTherapeutics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Amount | $350 million |
| Integration | Interius employees and operations to merge with Kite’s research team |
| Location | New center of excellence in Philadelphia |
| Technology Focus | In vivo generation of CAR T-cells using patient’s own genome |
| Treatment Accessibility | Potential for single intravenous infusion without preconditioning chemotherapy |
| Financial Impact | Expected reduction of $0.23 to $0.25 in Gilead’s EPS for 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Kite’s acquisition of Interius BioTherapeutics?
The acquisition aims to enhance the development of in vivo CAR T-cell therapies, which can potentially reduce treatment timelines and improve patient outcomes.
How does Interius’s CAR T-cell generation differ from conventional therapies?
Interius’s technology allows for CAR T-cell generation directly within the patient’s body, eliminating the necessity for cell harvesting and reinfusion, and can be administered via a single intravenous infusion.
What will happen to Interius’s employees post-acquisition?
After the deal closes, Interius’s employees and operations will join Kite’s research team to collaborate on developing new therapies.
What regulatory hurdles must the acquisition overcome?
The transaction requires the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and must meet other customary conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Business Wire: Kite to Acquire Interius BioTherapeutics
- Reuters: Gilead Unit to Acquire Interius BioTherapeutics
- Penn Biz Report: California Company to Purchase Interius Biotherapeutics
- Wikipedia: CAR T Cell Therapy
- Globe Newswire: Interius BioTherapeutics Upcoming Presentations
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
