Philadelphia, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Kite has announced its acquisition of Interius BioTherapeutics for $350 million, aiming to enhance its capabilities in developing in vivo CAR therapeutics. The deal will integrate Interius’s innovative platform and employees into Kite’s existing team, establishing a new center of excellence in Philadelphia. This strategic move could significantly improve patient access to cell therapies and reduce treatment times, marking a major advancement in biopharmaceuticals.
California – In a strategic move to enhance its capabilities in developing in vivo CAR therapeutics, Kite, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Interius BioTherapeutics, a Philadelphia-based biopharma, for $350 million. The acquisition, which will take place through the purchase of Interius’ outstanding share capital, signifies a notable expansion of Kite’s research team and capabilities in delivering cutting-edge therapies.
This acquisition will integrate Interius’s employees and operations into Kite’s existing team, paving the way for a new center of excellence in Philadelphia dedicated to the development of next-generation in vivo therapies. Phil Johnson, President and CEO of Interius, pointed out that this marks a significant leap forward for in vivo therapy, aimed at reducing treatment timelines and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Interius BioTherapeutics is recognized for its innovative in vivo platform that generates ex vivo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells within the patient’s own body. This is achieved by directly inserting DNA into the patient’s genome, offering a more streamlined approach compared to traditional CAR T therapies, which typically require cell harvesting, engineering, and reinfusion. The method developed by Interius could potentially be administered as a single intravenous infusion and does not necessitate preconditioning chemotherapy.
The modular design of Interius’s platform allows for swift adaptation across various disease states which could significantly enhance patient access to cell therapies, particularly for those with rapidly progressing conditions. Cindy Perettie, Executive Vice President of Kite, remarked on the promising collaboration between Kite’s extensive experience in cell therapy and Interius’s innovative approach to advancing in vivo therapies.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Kite will make a cash payment of $350 million for Interius BioTherapeutics, with the final amount subject to customary adjustments. Analysts project that this acquisition will lead to a reduction in Gilead’s GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share by approximately $0.23-$0.25 in the year 2025. The closing of this transaction is contingent on the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, among other customary conditions.
Kite has established itself as a frontrunner in the cell therapy field, having treated the highest number of patients with CAR T-cell therapy compared to its industry peers. Backed by Gilead Sciences, which has attained medical innovations for over three decades and operates in more than 35 countries, Kite’s acquisition of Interius BioTherapeutics highlights its commitment to expanding its portfolio of advanced treatment modalities.
Interius BioTherapeutics specializes in engineering targeted, programmable vectors for the precise delivery of genetic medicines to treat complex diseases effectively. This acquisition is expected to position Kite even more prominently in the biopharmaceutical landscape, advancing their efforts in a rapidly evolving field.
FAQ
What is Kite’s recent acquisition?
Kite has acquired Interius BioTherapeutics for $350 million to enhance its in vivo CAR therapeutics development capabilities.
What does Interius BioTherapeutics specialize in?
Interius specializes in engineering targeted, programmable vectors for the precise delivery of genetic medicines aimed at treating complex diseases.
How will this merger impact Kite’s operations?
The merger will integrate Interius’s employees and operations into Kite’s research team and expand its capabilities in developing next-generation in vivo therapies.
Key Features of the Acquisition
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Value | $350 million in cash |
| Integration | Interius’s operations and employees will be integrated into Kite’s research team |
| Location | New center of excellence in Philadelphia |
| Therapeutic Approach | In vivo generation of CAR T-cells without traditional harvesting |
| Projected EPS Impact | Reduction of $0.23-$0.25 in 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Business Wire: Kite to Acquire Interius BioTherapeutics
- Reuters: Gilead Unit to Acquire Interius for $350 Million
- Ainvest: Gilead Sciences Kite to Acquire Interius BioTherapeutics
- Wikipedia: Chimeric Antigen Receptor
- Google Search: In vivo CAR therapeutics
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
