Kite Pharma Employees: Layoffs Announced Amid FDA Investigation and Business Restructuring

In a recent move, Gilead Sciences has announced plans to lay off approximately 7% of its employees at cell therapy unit Kite Pharma. The restructuring effort aims to better align the division's organization with areas of future growth. However, this news comes as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating reports of T-cell malignancies in individuals who received CAR-T therapies like Yescarta.

Despite the setbacks, Kite Pharma's business has been performing well, with sales steadily rising to nearly $500 million in the third quarter. The company attributes its success to the adoption of their CAR-T cell therapies, which involve engineering a patient's own immune cells to better fight cancer. This innovative approach has led to major growth for the California-based biotechnology company.

The layoffs are expected to impact around 300 employees, but Kite Pharma plans to create approximately 90 new positions as part of its refreshed business strategy. This means that the net effect will be equivalent to around 5% of the unit's workforce.

Under the leadership of Cindy Perettie, who took charge in May after Christi Shaw stepped down as CEO, Kite Pharma has made significant progress. The company developed and sells CAR-T treatments Yescarta and Tecartus for certain leukemias and lymphomas. As a leading producer of CAR-T cell therapies, Kite Pharma has played a crucial role in Gilead's push into oncology.

The FDA investigation is ongoing, with reports suggesting that T-cell malignancies may be linked to the use of CAR-T therapies like Yescarta. Despite this, Kite Pharma remains committed to driving the adoption of their therapies and exploring opportunities for continued growth. With its refreshed business strategy in place, the company is poised to navigate these challenges and emerge stronger than ever.

For more information on Kite Pharma employees affected by the layoffs or to learn about career opportunities with Gilead Sciences, please visit their website at 'website URL'.

Kite pharma employees