Topline Findings
- Kite Acquires Interius BioTherapeutics: Kite, a Gilead subsidiary, will acquire Interius for $350 million to integrate its in vivo chimeric antigen receptor T-cell platform.
- Pipeline Expansion and Partnerships: Gilead continues to strengthen its 2025 pipeline with strategic deals that include Kymera Therapeutics and LEO Pharma collaborations.
- US Investment and Job Creation: Gilead plans $43 billion in US investment through 2030, including $32 billion in manufacturing and R&D, creating over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Kite Pharma, a subsidiary of Gilead, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Interius BioTherapeutics, a privately held biotech developing in vivo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies. According to Kite, the acquisition is expected to integrate Interius’s in vivo platform with Kite’s cell therapy expertise, allowing CAR T cells to be generated directly into patients.
What are the Key Terms and Financial Details of the Interius Acquisition?
Under terms of the deal, Kite will acquire all outstanding shares of Interius for a total of $350 million in cash consideration, subject to customary adjustments. The acquisition is also expected to lower Gilead’s GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share for 2025 by around $0.23 to $0.25. The deal’s completion is contingent on the expiration or termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Act waiting period, as well as other standard closing requirements.1
“In vivo therapy is a promising frontier with the potential to transform how we approach treating patients, shifting to more accessible and scalable solutions,” said Cindy Perettie, EVP, Kite, in a press release. “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.”
The deal marks Gilead’s latest strategic move in 2025, adding to a string of deals aimed at diversifying its pipeline and strengthening its position in next-generation therapies.
Kymera Therapeutics Collaboration
- In June, Gilead announced an exclusive option and license agreement with Kymera Therapeutics to develop and potentially commercialize a novel class of oral molecular glue degraders targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 2, particularly for the treatment of breast cancer and other solid tumors.
- Under terms of the deal, Kymera is eligible to receive up to $750 million, including $85 million in upfront and potential option payments, plus tiered royalties on future sales.
- If Gilead exercises its licensing option, it will assume control and full responsibility for future global development, manufacturing, and commercialization.2
LEO Pharma Partnership
- In January, Gilead also announced that it had agreed to terms on a strategic partnership with LEO Pharma.
- The joint venture will focus on accelerating the commercialization of STAT6, LEO’s small molecule oral program for treating patients with inflammatory diseases.
- Under terms of the deal, Gilead will take over development of the oral programs, including preclinical STAT6 small molecule inhibitors and targeted protein degraders.
- Additionally, the agreement includes up to $1.7 billion in potential payments to LEO Pharma—beginning with a $250 million upfront—along with tiered royalties for both companies on future STAT6 product sales.3,4
US Investment Expansion
- In May, Gilead also announced a $43 billion commitment to the US economy over five years through direct capital investment and job creation.
- This included an $11 billion investment in manufacturing, R&D, and technology, bringing its total planned spend through 2030 to $32 billion.
- The funding will support new facilities, site upgrades, digital and engineering initiatives, and is expected to create about 800 direct jobs and over 2,200 indirect jobs by 2028.5
Implications for Patients and Access
“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,” said Phil Johnson, President, CEO, Interius BioTherapeutics, in the press release. “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.”
References
- Kite to Acquire Interius BioTherapeutics to Advance In Vivo Platform. Gilead. August 21, 2025. Accessed August 22, 2025. https://www.gilead.com/news/news-details/2025/kite-to-acquire-interius-biotherapeutics-to-advance-in-vivo-platform
- Gilead, Kymera Launch Collaboration on Novel Oral CDK2 Degraders for Solid Tumors. PharmExec. June 25, 2025. Accessed August 22, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/gilead-kymera-launch-collaboration-novel-oral-cdk2-degraders-solid-tumors
- Flurry of Acquisitions and Licensing Deals Come Amid JP Morgan Healthcare Conference 2025. PharmExec. January 13, 2025. Accessed August 22, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/flurry-acquisitions-licensing-deals-come-amid-jp-morgan-healthcare-conference-2025
- Gilead and LEO Pharma Enter Into Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Development of Oral STAT6 Program With Potential in Multiple Inflammatory Diseases. Gilead. January 11, 2025. Accessed August 22, 2025. https://www.gilead.com/news/news-details/2025/gilead-and-leo-pharma-enter-into-strategic-partnership-to-accelerate-development-of-oral-stat6-program-with-potential-in-multiple-inflammatory-diseases
- Gilead U.S. Investment to Create $43 Billion in Value to U.S. Economy. Gilead. May 7, 2025. Accessed August 22, 2025. https://www.gilead.com/company/company-statements/2025/gilead-us-investment-to-create-43-billion-value-to-us-economy?utm_source=chatgpt.com
