Gilead Sciences, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Arcellx in a transaction valued at approximately $7.8 billion, strengthening its oncology and cell therapy portfolio. Under the terms of the deal, Gilead will pay $115 per share in cash at closing, along with one contingent value right (CVR) of $5 per share.
The acquisition builds on an existing partnership between Arcellx and Kite, a Gilead company focused on cell therapy. The two companies are already collaborating on the development and commercialization of Arcellx’s lead candidate, anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel), an investigational BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy for patients with multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma remains a challenging blood cancer despite recent therapeutic advances. Many patients relapse after initial treatments and require additional lines of therapy. As the disease progresses, treatment responses often diminish, toxicity may increase, and available options become more limited—particularly for heavily pretreated patients.
Anito-cel has shown promising results in clinical trials to date, demonstrating deep and durable responses alongside a predictable and manageable safety profile. The therapy is currently under regulatory review. A Biologics License Application (BLA) seeking approval for anito-cel as a fourth-line treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma has been accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The application is supported by data from a Phase 1 study and the pivotal Phase 2 iMMagine1 trial, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date set for December 23, 2026.
Daniel O’Day, chairman and chief executive officer of Gilead, said the agreement reflects the company’s confidence in anito-cel’s potential and its intent to move quickly to maximize its impact for patients. He noted that beyond a potential near-term launch, the therapy could evolve into a foundational treatment for multiple myeloma, including in earlier lines of care. He also highlighted the potential of Arcellx’s D-domain BCMA binder technology to support Gilead’s in vivo cell therapy efforts and broader oncology and inflammation strategy.
In addition to anito-cel, Arcellx’s proprietary D-Domain CAR technology platform has produced target-binding domains designed for improved specificity and enhanced binding affinity. These components may be applied to next-generation CAR T-cell and bispecific therapies, expanding future development opportunities.
Rami Elghandour, chairman and chief executive officer of Arcellx, described the deal as a milestone in the company’s journey, praising the collaboration with Gilead and expressing confidence in Kite’s ability to broaden patient access to anito-cel.
The acquisition underscores Gilead’s continued investment in innovative immunotherapies and reinforces its ambition to lead in the rapidly evolving cell therapy landscape.