Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, Inc., headquartered in Foster City, California, is an esteemed American biopharmaceutical company specializing in developing antiviral drugs. These drugs play a crucial role in treating a range of diseases, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, influenza, and COVID-19. Notable medications developed by Gilead include ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and sofosbuvir.

Gilead Sciences is recognized as a key player in the biopharmaceutical industry and is listed on both the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index and the S&P 500. The company was established in 1987 by Michael L. Riordan. It was initially known as Oligogen, a name inspired by oligomers, which are small DNA strands used to target specific genetic sequences.

Over the years, Gilead achieved significant milestones. It conducted a successful IPO in 1992 and made substantial progress in drug development, with notable products like Tamiflu and Vistide emerging during that decade. In the 2000s, Gilead gained approval for drugs such as Viread and Hepsera, marking its transition from a biotechnology company to a pharmaceutical company. Along the way, the company acquired various subsidiaries while maintaining reliance on contract manufacturing for its drugs.

During the 2010s, Gilead Sciences continued its growth trajectory. However, it faced scrutiny over its business practices, particularly concerning the pricing of drugs like Sovaldi and Truvada in the United States, which were deemed excessively high compared to production costs and prices in the developing world. Despite these challenges, Gilead Sciences remains committed to advancing healthcare and developing innovative treatments to improve patients' lives.

Founded: 1987

Headquarters: Foster City, California, United States

Website: https://www.gilead.com/