Pharma BD Deal Intelligence
Gilead's $11.9B all-cash acquisition of Kite Pharma bought its way to CAR-T leadership with axicabtagene ciloleucel, approved as Yescarta for aggressive lymphomas. The bet paid off commercially but only partially on ambition—Yescarta became a durable franchise anchor, though broader pipeline expansion (BCMA, TCR assets) has been slower to materialize.
Gilead Sciences acquired Kite Pharma for approximately $11.9 billion ($180.00 per share in cash), establishing Gilead as a leader in CAR-T cell therapy with axicabtagene ciloleucel (later approved as Yescarta) for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
30K US cases/yr · $5.0B Global DLBCL therapeutics
DLBCL is the most common aggressive lymphoma. R-CHOP has been standard for decades. CAR-T therapy and bispecific antibodies have transformed relapsed/refractory disease.
First-line: R-CHOP or pola-R-CHP. R/R: CAR-T (axi-cel, liso-cel), bispecifics (glofitamab, epcoritamab). Key players: Roche (Polivy, Columvi), Gilead/Kite (Yescarta), BMS (Breyanzi), AbbVie/Genmab (Epkinly).
5K US cases/yr · $3.0B Global MCL therapeutics
MCL is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma representing ~6% of NHL. BTK inhibitors have become cornerstone therapy. CAR-T (brexucabtagene) approved for relapsed disease.
First-line: BR or R-CHOP + maintenance. BTK inhibitors (ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib). R/R: brexucabtagene (Tecartus CAR-T). Key players: AbbVie/J&J (Imbruvica), AZ (Calquence), BeiGene (Brukinsa).
3K US cases/yr
Transformed follicular lymphoma occurs when indolent FL converts to aggressive DLBCL. Treated similarly to de novo DLBCL with chemoimmunotherapy and CAR-T in relapsed setting.
R-CHOP or similar regimens. CAR-T (axi-cel, liso-cel) approved for relapsed disease. Outcomes generally worse than de novo DLBCL.
3K US cases/yr
PMBCL is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma arising in the mediastinum, typically affecting young women. Dose-adjusted EPOCH-R has become standard. Pembrolizumab approved for relapsed disease.
First-line: DA-EPOCH-R. R/R: pembrolizumab (PD-L1 high expression), CAR-T.
Closed $11.9B acquisition gaining CAR-T platform including Yescarta, approved Oct 2017 for relapsed/refractory LBCL.
First CAR-T therapy approved for adult relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma after 2+ prior lines.
275K sq ft CAR-T plant in Maryland, later FDA-approved for Yescarta production. Part of Gilead Sciences Inc.'s $11.9B deal to acquire Kite Pharma Inc..
Sales reached $1.5B in 2023 (29% YoY). Growth slowed in 2024 amid bispecific competition.
Positioned Gilead as CAR-T leader. Yescarta reached $1.5B, diversifying Gilead beyond antivirals into oncology.
| Deal | Year | Value | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilead Sciences Inc. / Kite Pharma, Inc. (this deal) | 2017 | $11.9B | 67 |
| Gilead Sciences Inc. / Pharmasset Inc. | 2011 | $11.2B | 98 |
| Gilead Sciences Inc. / Triangle Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 2002 | $464M | 96 |
| Gilead Sciences Inc. / CymaBay Therapeutics | 2024 | $4.4B | 76 |
| Gilead Sciences Inc. / Nurix Therapeutics Inc. | 2019 | $2.3B | 69 |
| Gilead Sciences Inc. / Immunomedics Inc. | 2020 | $21.0B | 68 |
| Gilead Sciences Inc. / Myogen Inc. | 2006 | $2.5B | 62 |
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More: 2017 deals · Gilead Sciences Inc. deals · Hematology deals