— Adds Two Technology Platforms that May be Broadly Applicable in Cellular Therapy —

— Enables Research and Development of Potential Future Generations of CAR T and TCR T-cell Therapies for Solid Tumors —

FOSTER CITY, Calif. & SANTA MONICA, Calif.–Dec. 7, 2017–Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) and its cell therapy subsidiary Kite announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which they have agreed to acquire Cell Design Labs, Inc., gaining new technology platforms that will enhance research and development efforts in cellular therapy.

Under the terms of the agreement, Gilead will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Cell Design Labs, which includes the approximately 12.2 percent of shares of Cell Design Labs that are currently held by Kite, for up to approximately $567 million. The agreement includes an initial upfront payment of approximately $175 million, subject to certain adjustments, and additional payments of up to $322 million that will be paid to the shareholders of Cell Design Labs other than Kite upon the occurrence of certain events, including the achievement of development and approval milestones. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, and is expected to close shortly. [Read more…]