California, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Kite, a biopharmaceutical company under Gilead Sciences, has announced a $350 million acquisition of Interius BioTherapeutics. This strategic merger will establish a center in Philadelphia to enhance Kite’s research capabilities focused on in vivo therapies for cancer treatment. The innovative technology from Interius allows for the generation of CAR T-cells directly within patients, aiming for improved treatment accessibility and efficiency. This move is expected to strengthen Kite’s position in the competitive cell therapy landscape while benefiting patient outcomes in cancer treatment.
California – Kite, a biopharmaceutical company based in California and owned by Gilead Sciences Inc., has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Interius BioTherapeutics, a Philadelphia-based company, in a deal worth $350 million. This acquisition involves Kite purchasing all outstanding shares of Interius, with payment expected to be completed at closing.
Following the acquisition, employees and operations of Interius will be integrated into Kite’s research team. The merger aims to establish a center of excellence in Philadelphia dedicated to developing advanced in vivo therapies. This strategic move is anticipated to enhance Kite’s capabilities in the production and application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, which are essential in treating various cancers.
The innovative platform developed by Interius BioTherapeutics enables the generation of CAR T-cells directly within a patient’s body by inserting genes into the patient’s genome. This contrasts sharply with traditional CAR T therapies, which necessitate a more complicated process of cell harvesting, engineering, and reinfusion. The new method proposed by Interius can potentially allow for these cell therapies to be administered via a single intravenous infusion, avoiding the need for preconditioning chemotherapy.
Interius’s modular platform is designed for rapid adaptation, making it capable of addressing various disease states, and could improve accessibility to cell therapies, especially for patients battling rapidly progressing diseases. The integration of Interius’s technology into Kite’s existing expertise is expected to significantly accelerate the development of in vivo therapies.
Kite’s Executive Vice President has stated that this acquisition aims to improve the efficiency of advancing in vivo therapies and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. However, it is important to note that the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including the expiration or termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act waiting period, before it can officially close.
Financial forecasts indicate that this acquisition could lead to a reduced impact on Gilead’s GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share, with estimates suggesting a decrease of about $0.23-$0.25 in 2025. This aligns with Gilead’s strategic focus on expanding its innovative treatment options in the biotech field.
Kite has established itself as a leader in the field of cell therapy, having treated more patients with CAR T-cell therapy than any other company. Meanwhile, Gilead Sciences has a long history of achieving medical breakthroughs and operates across more than 35 countries worldwide. Interius BioTherapeutics specializes in creating targeted and programmable vectors aimed at precision delivery of genetic treatments for complex diseases.
As the acquisition moves forward, it promises to strengthen Kite’s position in the rapidly evolving landscape of cell therapy and enhance both companies’ ability to deliver cutting-edge treatments to patients in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of Kite’s acquisition of Interius BioTherapeutics?
Kite’s acquisition of Interius BioTherapeutics is valued at $350 million.
What is the primary benefit of Interius’s in vivo platform?
The primary benefit is its ability to generate CAR T-cells directly within a patient’s body, allowing for potential delivery through a single intravenous infusion without the need for preconditioning chemotherapy.
What impact will this acquisition have on Gilead’s earnings in 2025?
The acquisition is expected to reduce Gilead’s GAAP and non-GAAP EPS by approximately $0.23-$0.25 in 2025.
What are the next steps for the acquisition?
The closing of the transaction is contingent upon the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary conditions.
Key Features of the Acquisition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Value | $350 million |
| New Capabilities | In vivo CAR T-cell therapy development, direct gene insertion |
| Patient Access | Single intravenous infusion without preconditioning |
| Expected EPS Impact | Reduces Gilead’s EPS by $0.23-$0.25 in 2025 |
| Location of Center of Excellence | Philadelphia |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Business Wire: Kite to Acquire Interius BioTherapeutics
- Reuters: Gilead Unit to Acquire Interius
- Penn Biz Report: California Company to Purchase Interius BioTherapeutics
- Wikipedia: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy
- Google Search: Gilead Sciences
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego 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 Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
