Kite, a Gilead Company, has announced its decision to acquire Interius BioTherapeutics, a pioneering biotechnology firm focused on developing in vivo CAR therapeutics, in a $350 million deal. This strategic acquisition reflects Kite’s commitment to innovation within cell therapy, expanding its portfolio with Interius’s cutting-edge platform.
Unlike traditional CAR T therapies, which require complex procedures—removing, engineering, and reinfusing patient cells—Interius’s technology enables the creation of CAR T cells directly inside a patient’s body. This process promises greater durability and a more streamlined treatment, as the therapy is designed to be delivered via a single intravenous infusion, without the need for preconditioning chemotherapy or intricate cell processing.
Interius’s modular platform stands out for its adaptability, allowing the technology to address a broad range of diseases and scale efficiently for widespread use. The acquisition aims to significantly enhance access to cell therapies, especially for patients with aggressive or rapidly progressing illnesses who may not have benefited from existing treatments. By joining forces, Kite and Interius will combine world-class expertise to establish a center of excellence in Philadelphia dedicated to accelerating the development of next-generation in vivo therapies.
Under the terms of the agreement, Kite will purchase all outstanding shares of Interius for $350 million in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments and conditions. The deal is expected to modestly reduce Gilead’s 2025 earnings per share by $0.23 to $0.25, reflecting an ongoing investment in future innovation. Before closing, the deal will undergo regulatory review in accordance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other standard conditions.
This partnership signals a transformative leap forward in personalized medicine, potentially making cell therapy more scalable and accessible than ever before.
Advisors: TD Cowen is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Kite and Evercore is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Interius.
KEY QUOTES:
“In vivo therapy is a promising frontier with the potential to transform how we approach treating patients, shifting to more accessible and scalable solutions. By combining Interius’s teams and their novel platform with Kite’s deep expertise and footprint in cell therapy research, development and manufacturing, we aim to advance best-in-class in vivo therapies to bring them to patients more efficiently.”
Cindy Perettie, Executive Vice President of Kite
“This marks a pivotal step for Interius and the future of in vivo therapy, which has the potential to reduce treatment timelines, broaden access to care and improve outcomes for patients with aggressive or advanced disease. With the addition of Kite’s deep expertise and global infrastructure, we’re well-positioned to move quickly into multiple therapeutic areas, expand access to cell therapies and deliver meaningful innovation to patients.”
Phil Johnson, President and CEO, Interius BioTherapeutics
