Kite Pharma is a Santa Monica, CA‑based clinical‑stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing engineered autologous T cell (eACT™) products for the treatment of cancer. The company is advancing an autologous eACT product that targets CD19 expression on B‑cell malignancies, including diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Additional programs are planned to target a range of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Kite is led by Dr. Arie Belldegrun, President and CEO. The company completed a $50M mezzanine private financing of convertible notes to fund its immunotherapy programs. Participants in the transaction included a syndicate of healthcare‑dedicated investors, many based in the United States and many first‑time investors in Kite. Additional terms of the financing were not disclosed. Kite Pharma is a privately held, clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Los Angeles focused on engineered autologous T cell therapy (eACT) and a therapeutic cancer vaccine. Its core eACT platform engineers patients' peripheral blood T cells with TCRs and CARs to recognize and eradicate tumors. Kite is advancing a pipeline of proprietary eACT candidates across hematological and solid tumor indications in partnership with the NCI Surgery Branch under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). The company cites clinical evidence from NCI studies showing durable objective responses in refractory melanoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, and leukemia. Management includes CEO Aya Jakobovits and Founder/Executive Chairman Arie Belldegrun; recent board additions bring life‑sciences investing experience. The company intends to use new resources to advance clinical and manufacturing activities for its eACT programs. Kite Pharma is a privately held, development-stage biotechnology company focused on designing and developing active immunotherapeutic products for multiple cancer indications. Its lead programs are antigen-based therapies initially being developed for renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. The company's approach is to stimulate a patient's own immune system to help fight cancer and pursue novel strategies for otherwise incurable diseases. Management includes President and CEO Aya Jakobovits and Executive Chairman and Founder Arie Belldegrun. Kite plans to use newly raised funds to grow the company, advance its products into clinical development, and expand its pre-clinical pipeline. The company is based in Los Angeles, CA.

Total raised

$100M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Debt Financing

Latest activity

Apr 2014