Strategic Spotlight At the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, CEO Daniel O’Day outlined Gilead’s roadmap to sustain its dominance in the HIV market. The company’s core strategy centers on providing “dosing optionality,” transforming HIV from a terminal condition into a manageable chronic illness that adapts to individual patient lifestyles.
Key Strategic Highlights:
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Lenacapavir Momentum: The newly launched flagship product Yeztugo (lenacapavir)—a twice-yearly injectable for PrEP—recorded $150 million in its debut year (2025). Boasting nearly 100% efficacy in clinical trials, the drug has secured 85% insurance coverage in the U.S.
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A Pipeline of Seven Candidates: Gilead is currently advancing seven programs focused on diversifying administration methods and frequency:
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Once-Daily Oral (BIC/LEN): A combination of bictegravir and lenacapavir, with a regulatory decision expected in the second half of 2026.
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Once-Weekly Oral (ISL/LEN): A partnership combining MSD’s islatravir and Gilead’s lenacapavir, with Phase III data expected in H1 2026 for a potential 2027 launch.
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Once-Yearly Injectable: Research is underway for a 12-month dosing regimen of lenacapavir, targeting a 2028 commercial launch.
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Global Access Commitment: For the first time in medical history, a new HIV therapy was delivered to sub-Saharan African nations (including Eswatini and Zambia) in the same year as its U.S. launch, facilitated through voluntary licensing agreements.
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Patent Protection: The company’s leading HIV treatment, Biktarvy, maintains its market exclusivity until 2036, providing a stable financial foundation for Gilead’s ongoing R&D initiatives.