Gilead’s Kite Pharma signed a licensing and research deal with Chinese biotech Pregene Biopharma worth up to $1.64 billion, paying $120 million upfront to accelerate in‑vivo CAR‑T development. The partnership intends to speed clinical proof‑of‑concept for next‑generation CAR‑T and in‑vivo approaches that generate engineered T cells inside the patient rather than via ex‑vivo manufacturing. Kite’s deal follows other in‑vivo bets and reflects industry interest in lowering cost and complexity of cell therapies. The collaboration combines Kite’s development experience with Pregene’s high‑throughput CAR platforms and manufacturing processes, aiming to broaden accessibility if safety and efficacy are confirmed in human trials.