IRVING, Texas — InspiroGene by McKesson, a business dedicated to supporting the commercialization of cell and gene therapies, today announced a new agreement with Kite, a Gilead Company, to expand U.S. distribution of Kite’s approved and commercially available autologous CAR T-cell therapies, Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) and Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel). The collaboration will focus on ensuring that patients who are eligible for CAR T-cell therapy can access Kite’s treatments when and where they need them.
Through the collaboration, McKesson will enable more flexible CAR T-cell therapy distribution pathways for authorized treatment centers, including those in community oncology settings. McKesson Plasma and Biologics will provide specialty distribution services as part of this expanded network, supporting reliable product access and operational coordination across sites of care while helping reduce non-clinical barriers to expand patient access.
“As cell therapies reach more patients across a broader range of care settings, flexibility and reliability in distribution become increasingly important,” said Joe DePinto, Head of Cell, Gene, and Advanced Therapies at McKesson. “Through InspiroGene, we are supporting Kite’s efforts to expand access to CAR T-cell therapies by helping treatment centers operate in ways that work for their patients, so more people can receive these potentially life-changing therapies where they receive their cancer care.”
Kite is the first CAR T company to implement a multi-distribution strategy, reflecting its commitment to expanding patient access to CAR T-cell therapies across the broadest possible network of authorized treatment centers in the U.S., including both academic hospitals and community oncology practices.
“Today, only about two of every 10 eligible patients in the U.S. receive CAR T-cell therapy, in part because access and distribution are complex and uneven,” said Christophe Griolet, U.S. Vice President, General Manager, Kite. “While Kite has built manufacturing capabilities designed to deliver CAR Ts quickly and reliably, that alone is not enough. Collaborating with InspiroGene by McKesson helps us overcome access barriers so more patients who need CAR T-cell therapy can receive these potentially curative therapies across both academic and community oncology settings.”
CAR T-cell therapy is an individualized treatment made from a patient’s own T cells, requiring precise coordination across manufacturing, logistics and distribution. This collaboration enables a more flexible and scalable distribution model to facilitate broader access to Kite’s CAR T-cell therapies as cancer care continues to evolve toward more patient-centered delivery.
About InspiroGene by McKesson
InspiroGene by McKesson (“InspiroGene”) is a dedicated business unit focused solely on supporting the commercialization of cell and gene therapies (CGTs). At InspiroGene, we turn CGT innovation into a reality. We offer flexible, sustainable solutions to help manufacturers, payers, and providers navigate the complex CGT commercialization landscape. As an enduring ally, we’re dedicated to transforming patient care and driving better health outcomes. Learn more about the InspiroGene advantage at InspiroGene.com
