Gilead Sciences launches HIV research grant programme

Gilead Sciences has announced the launch of a new grants programme to encourage advances in HIV drug development.

Grants for up to three years will be provided to academic institutions, not-for-profit organisations and community groups engaged in HIV cure activities that can demonstrate a solid track record of excellence in results-driven research.

Money will be allocated to support translational research, efficacy studies in animal models, institutional funding schemes and community groups dedicated to improving understanding of HIV and its treatment.

This aligns with the company's broader strategy of searching for a cure for HIV, an endeavour to which it has been committed for the past seven years.

Dr William Lee, executive vice-president for research at Gilead Sciences, said: "Curing HIV presents a formidable challenge. We hope that the involvement of a broader range of organisations, through these grants, will serve to advance the field more rapidly."

Gilead expanded its own portfolio of HIV therapies at the end of last year with the receipt of EU regulatory approval for its newest HIV drug Genvoya.