Arcellx, Kite collaborate to develop CART-ddBCMA

Arcellx (ACLX) and Kite, a Gilead Company (GILD), announced a global strategic collaboration to co-develop and co-commercialize Arcellx’s lead late-stage product candidate, CART-ddBCMA, for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is an incurable disease for most patients and the need remains for effective, safe, and broadly accessible therapies. Currently in Phase 2 clinical development, CART-ddBCMA is an investigational cell therapy product comprising autologous T cells that have been genetically modified to target multiple myeloma. CART-ddBCMA utilizes Arcellx’s novel D-Domain binder. Kite and Arcellx will jointly advance the CART-ddBMCA asset. Upon closing, Arcellx will receive an upfront cash payment of $225M and $100M equity investment. Both companies will share development, clinical trial, and commercialization costs for CART-ddBCMA and will jointly commercialize and split U.S. profits 50/50. Outside the US, Kite will commercialize the product and Arcellx will receive royalties on sales. Kite will be responsible for the development and commercialization costs for any product under the collaboration that is not co-commercialized. After completion of the technical transfer, Kite will be responsible for manufacturing. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023.