Interius BioTherapeutics, a company spun out from Penn, is being acquired by Kite Pharma for 0 million.

A significant development in the field of immunotherapy has emerged with the announcement that Interius BioTherapeutics Inc., a University of Pennsylvania spinout, will be acquired by a subsidiary of Gilead Sciences Inc. for 0 million. This sale, made public on Thursday, underscores the growing importance of innovative cancer treatment technologies and the escalating interest from major pharmaceutical companies in biotechnological advancements.

Founded by Penn researcher Saar Gill, Interius BioTherapeutics is located at Pennovation Works in Philadelphia. The company specializes in a novel method of creating chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells directly within the patient’s body—an advancement that could significantly streamline cancer therapies. Traditionally, CAR-T therapies require extensive re-engineering of the patient’s cells outside the body, a process that can take weeks and hinder timely intervention. Interius’s groundbreaking approach promises to deliver cellular therapies that are not only faster but also more cost-effective, enabling broader access to vital treatments for various cancers and autoimmune disorders.

In recent operational milestones, Interius successfully administered its first treatment to a patient last fall, marking a pivotal step in their in vivo therapy initiatives aimed at combating B-cell malignancies. The potential for in vivo therapy is being recognized by industry leaders, with Gilead’s Kite Pharma expressing optimism about how this approach could reshape patient care and increase treatment accessibility.

Furthermore, the impending acquisition positions Philadelphia as a “center of excellence” for Kite Pharma. Interius currently employs approximately 50 staff members at its Pennovation Works location, reflecting the growing biotech ecosystem in the region. Gilead, headquartered in California, previously acquired Tmunity Therapeutics—a Philadelphia-based company co-founded by CAR-T pioneer Carl June—in 2023, further highlighting the strategic interest in the area.

Interius has raised a total of 0 million from investors since its establishment in 2019, indicating that the acquisition price significantly exceeds its total investment. Among its investors is the University of Pennsylvania itself, which continues to be a pivotal force in advancing biotech innovations.

In addition to Interius, another University of Pennsylvania spinout, Capstan Therapeutics, is reported to be in negotiations for acquisition by AbbVie for .1 billion, showcasing the robust potential and financial viability of university-affiliated biotech ventures. Notably, Bruce Peacock, a seasoned entrepreneur in the Philadelphia biotech space, co-founded Interius and brings extensive industry experience to the table, having been involved with several successful biotechnology firms throughout his career.

The acquisition of Interius BioTherapeutics underscores not only the rapid advancements in cancer therapies but also the increasing collaboration between academic institutions and the pharmaceutical industry, paving the way for innovative solutions in medical science.

As the market for biopharmaceuticals continues to evolve, the involvement of major players like Gilead signifies a promising future for the development of more effective and accessible cancer treatments.

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