Gilead Sciences Inc. has agreed to acquire Arcellx, a biotechnology company focused on delivering a new class of innovative immunotherapies for patients with cancer and other incurable diseases, for an implied equity value of $7.8 billion.

Advancing Anito-Cel

Kite, a Gilead company, and Arcellx have an existing collaboration to co-develop and co-commercialize Arcellx’s lead pipeline candidate, anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel), an investigational BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy for patients with multiple myeloma. Despite advancements in treatment, many patients with multiple myeloma eventually relapse and require additional lines of therapy. As disease progresses, patients often experience diminishing responses, increasing toxicity and fewer viable options, especially those who are heavily pretreated or unable to tolerate existing therapies.

In clinical studies to date, anito-cel has demonstrated deep and durable responses with a predictable and manageable safety profile, addressing key challenges associated with current CAR T-cell therapies in multiple myeloma.

The BLA for anito-cel as a fourth-line treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma is supported by results from the Phase 1 study (NCT04155749) and the pivotal Phase 2 iMMagine1 study (NCT05396885) and has been accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with an anticipated Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of 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 CEO, 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.”

Rami Elghandour, Chairman and CEO, Arcellx, said, “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.”

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