Gilead Expands Cancer Bet With $7.8B Arcellx Deal

Gilead Sciences is set to acquire Arcellx in a deal worth up to $7.8 billion, strengthening its position in CAR-T therapy and deepening its push into cancer treatment.

The acquisition, announced today, gives Gilead full control of Arcellx’s lead cell therapy candidate, anito-cel, a treatment being developed for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Under the agreement, Gilead will pay $115 per share in cash to Arcellx shareholders. In addition, shareholders could receive an extra $5 per share if anito-cel achieves $6 billion in global net sales by 2029. The total transaction value, including the contingent payment, could reach $7.8 billion.

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The CAR-T therapy candidate anito-cel is currently under regulatory review, with a U.S. FDA decision expected in late 2026. If approved, the therapy could become a key growth driver for Gilead’s oncology business. The company already partnered with Arcellx through its Kite unit, but this acquisition allows it to fully own and commercialize the product.

Gilead said the deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. The move reflects the company’s strategy to expand beyond its core HIV and liver disease portfolio and build a stronger presence in cancer therapies.