Gilead Sciences to expand global access to new HIV/hepatitis therapy

Gilead Sciences has announced a new agreement with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) that will make its new treatment for HIV and hepatitis B accessible to patients in poorer countries.

Under the agreement, the MPP will be able to sub-license tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) to generic drug companies in India and China, who may manufacture and distribute it in 112 developing countries. This is contingent on the original product receiving US approval.

In July 2011, Gilead became the first pharmaceutical company to join the MPP. As a result, six Indian pharmaceutical companies hold MPP sub-licenses for Gilead HIV medicines today.

Currently, it is estimated that 5.4 million people are receiving Gilead HIV therapies in low and middle-income countries thanks to its various access initiatives. This represents more than half of all people on HIV therapy in these countries.

Gregg Alton, executive vice-president for corporate and medical affairs at Gilead Sciences, said: "By expanding our partnership to include TAF today we hope to lay the groundwork for the rapid introduction of generic versions, should it receive regulatory approval."

Earlier this week, the company received US regulatory approval for Zydelig, its new treatment for leukaemia and lymphoma.