Gilead has agreed to acquire Arcellx for $7.8bn to add a CAR T-cell therapy for blood cancer treatment to its portfolio. The deal includes a $115 per share payment and a $5 contingent value right. Gilead expects the acquisition to close in Q2 2026, following years of collaboration.

Arcellx’s anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel) CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma is under FDA review, with a PDUFA action date of 23 December 2026. If approved, it will be a fourth-line treatment with a $5 contingent value right if global sales reach $6bn by 2029. Analysts predict sales could reach $7.8bn by the same year.

Gilead’s CEO Daniel O’Day is optimistic about the acquisition, highlighting the potential of anito-cel for multiple myeloma patients. The therapy could become a foundational treatment over time and strengthen Gilead’s position in oncology and inflammation. CAR T therapies have shown promise for treating blood cancers by reprogramming T-cells to target cancer cells.

Pharma companies are increasingly interested in in vivo cell therapies like CAR T. Recent acquisitions include Eli Lilly acquiring Orna Therapeutics for $2.4bn and Bristol Myers Squibb buying Orbital Therapeutics for $1.5bn. AbbVie also made a $2.1bn acquisition of Capstan Therapeutics for its in vivo CAR T pipeline for autoimmune diseases. Investors are shifting focus to later-stage CGT companies for clinical execution.

The CGT investment landscape is evolving, with 50% of venture capital activity focused on Series B-stage companies. Investors are becoming more selective with their capital, emphasizing clinical execution. Gilead’s acquisition of Arcellx reflects the growing interest in innovative cell therapies for cancer treatment.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Gilead acquires CAR-T specialist Arcellx for $7.8bn