CIIE helping Gilead Sciences boost development in China

Gilead Sciences, a US-based biopharma company, is showcasing its latest innovative developments in virology, oncology and mycology and advancements in health equity at the ongoing seventh China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

It is the third time for Gilead to participate in the annual CIIE, which is being held in Shanghai on Nov 5 to 10.

At its 500-square-meter booth, the company is debuting its new therapy for primary biliary cholangitis, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in August this year. The results of two Phase 3 trials for its twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor for HIV prevention were also highlighted.

With a boost in research and development in China, Gilead is expecting four additional indications in oncology to be approved in China within the next three years.

"China is one of the largest, most dynamic and most vital markets in the world. It is also one of the most important markets to Gilead's long-term growth strategy. We are therefore honored to participate in the CIIE once again. The event is a showcase of China's robust economic growth, strength in innovation and increasing openness to mutual collaboration that benefits us all," said Johanna Mercier, Gilead's chief commercial officer.

"We are benefiting from the strong spillover effects of the CIIE. Over the past two years, Gilead accelerated the introduction of globally leading innovative drugs to Chinese patients, including the launch of new products for triple negative breast cancer and for invasive fungal diseases," said Jin Fangqian, vice-president of Gilead and the general manager for its China affiliate.

"The CIIE provides the opportunity for us to present the company's innovative therapies, share our research and development progress and helps us to deepen collaborations with local partners, showcasing Gilead's long-term commitment to patients in China."

In 2017, Gilead started its official operations in the Chinese market with its focus primarily on virology.

Over the past seven years, the company has expanded its presence in China, venturing into disease areas including oncology, mycology and incorporating research capabilities into its operations. This year, Gilead opened a new branch in Hainan province, raising the total number of branches and offices in China to nine. The total number of employees in China has increased to more than 800, spanning more than 90 working locations.

To date, Gilead has launched 11 innovative drugs dedicated to areas such as HIV prevention and treatment, viral hepatitis, invasive fungal diseases and triple negative breast cancer in China, according to Jin.

Since 2022, Gilead has been accelerating the establishment of local R&D in China. "This effort encompasses the recruitment of a large number of R&D professionals specializing in clinical research, clinical development, registration and drug safety," said Jin.

So far, the company has established an R&D team with more than 150 professionals and carried out around 20 clinical trials in China, covering virology and oncology.

"While Gilead is a relatively new entrant to the Chinese market, we consider the Chinese market to be of great importance. Recognizing substantial unmet healthcare needs, we are enthusiastic about expediting the introduction of more innovative treatments to serve Chinese patients," said Jin.

At the CIIE, the company also signed several collaboration agreements with partners including governments, local distributors and industry associations, to enhance drug access, improve treatment outcome and the quality of life for patients, and help to drive disease diagnosis and treatment, so as to support the advancement of the "Healthy China 2030" initiative, according to the company.

"The broad economic growth in China showcases immense potential. At Gilead, we are highly confident in our long-term prospects in China and have strategic plans in place: we will boost investments, accelerate the introduction of new treatments, improve product accessibility for people who need them and bring a positive impact to the society," said Jin.

tangzhihao@chinadaily.com.cn