Gilead Sciences presents new Asia launches and innovations at the CIIE

A booth brimming with innovation and hope — this year, at the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), Gilead Sciences, a leading global pharmaceutical company, is once again redefining what is possible in health innovation and equity.

Occupying a 500-square-meter booth, the company is spotlighting the Asia debut of its two latest innovations and 13 cutting-edge products already available in the Chinese market.

Beyond introducing new therapies, Gilead is also sharing its progress in expanding access, advancing local research and development, and promoting health equity — embodying its long-term commitment to "creating a healthier world for all people."

"Gilead has proudly participated in the CIIE since 2022. We've seen firsthand how the expo accelerates the introduction of innovative products and strengthens the healthcare ecosystem — from expanding access to enhancing services for patients," said Johanna Mercier, Gilead's chief commercial officer.

This year marks Gilead's fourth consecutive appearance at the annual event, which runs from Nov 5 to 10 in Shanghai.

"The CIIE has become a vital platform for global product debuts and technological innovation. It offers a front-row seat to witness China's high-level opening-up," said Jin Fangqian, vice-president and China general manager of Gilead.

"We are benefiting from the strong spillover effects of the CIIE. The access to several innovative therapies has been fast-tracked through the CIIE, reaching Chinese patients more quickly. This year, we return to further strengthen the collaborations that make this progress possible."

At last year's CIIE, Gilead highlighted two of its global breakthrough therapies: one is a twice-yearly long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, and the other is a ground-breaking treatment addressing both disease progression and chronic itch for patients with primary biliary cholangitis — a chronic liver condition.

These therapies, first introduced at the expo, have since achieved accelerated approvals this year — the former in the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone and the latter in the Beijing Tianzhu Rare Disease Drug Guarantee Pilot Zone. Notably, the approval of the twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention in Boao occurred within days of its approval in the US. More recently, in October, the first dose of this therapy outside the United States was administered in China.

"China is one of Gilead's key strategic markets," Jin emphasized. "We are committed to addressing unmet medical needs, strengthening local partnerships, and contributing to the development of China's new journey during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30)."

Through the CIIE platform, Gilead has expanded collaboration with local governments, regulators and healthcare institutions to accelerate the introduction of new therapies.

Over the past three years, the company has signed more than 20 strategic cooperation agreements at the expo, supporting initiatives to enhance disease awareness, improve patient care, and promote health equity across the country.

To date, 13 Gilead medicines have been approved in China, according to the company, adding that they helped nearly 1.8 million people nationwide in their fight against various health challenges. Eight of these medicines are now included in the National Reimbursement Drug List, easing patients' financial burdens and improving access to treatment, the company said.

Alongside introducing new medicines, Gilead continues to expand its local R&D footprint. Currently, the company is conducting 16 active R&D projects in China, including studies in oncology, virology and inflammation. Impressively, 90 percent of its oncology projects involving China are running in parallel with global studies, ensuring that innovative medicines and new indications can benefit Chinese patients earlier and more efficiently.

"Valuing the speed, openness, innovation and partnership that the CIIE enables, we look forward to building on this momentum together — driving access, advancing science, and delivering hope for patients across China," said Johanna.