Fighting Disease Requires More Than Just the Right Drug: Gilead

Q: What are your main priorities as Gilead’s newly appointed Vice President for Latin America, and what vision do you bring to the region?
A: Our priorities across countries in the region are quite similar. The main challenge lies in advancing access to innovative therapies in areas such as oncology, inflammation, and virology. In HIV therapies, we face both a challenge and an opportunity. We are preparing to launch a prevention therapy that could significantly impact the region, and governments and NGOs have shown strong interest. This represents a real possibility to prevent the spread of HIV. In the case of hepatitis C, there is still important work to be done to achieve broader cure rates. In oncology, we are launching our leading breast cancer product. HIV is entering a new chapter, hepatitis C remains an ongoing battle, and we continue to make progress in breast cancer treatment.

Q: How is Gilead’s oncology strategy advancing in the region?
A: We have made considerable advances in oncology, particularly in Brazil. It has taken us longer to establish operations in other countries within the region. Our focus has been on breast cancer, targeting one of the most aggressive subtypes, which historically has had limited treatment options. We are bringing Gilead’s public health mindset to the region, addressing medical challenges where few alternatives have existed. This approach is being well received by the medical community. We are also beginning to explore the field of cell therapies and are evaluating how to introduce these advanced treatments to other countries in Latin America.

Q: How does Gilead's global leadership contribute to regional strategy?
A: Gilead’s global leadership has a deep understanding of public health that stems from the company’s legacy in virology, which has provided us with insights into health challenges that affect entire populations. As a result, there is a strong openness to understanding the unique issues across countries and regions, allowing us to develop customized solutions. Gilead’s ability to take a broad, regionally informed view is one of our greatest strengths.

Q: How important is local research, clinical trials, and regional collaboration for advancing Gilead’s pipeline and mission in Mexico?
A: Mexico is an extremely attractive country for pharmaceutical innovation due to its large population, which allows for the identification of diverse patient profiles in clinical trials. The country also benefits from strong research centers and highly capable investigators. COFEPRIS has made advances in accelerating approval timelines, representing both a significant investment opportunity and an improved healthcare experience for patients enrolled in clinical studies. Latin America has the population and research infrastructure needed to conduct clinical trials with strong regional representation. This ensures that the phenotypic diversity of Latin America is included in our research.

Q: What role does Mexico play in Gilead’s global strategy?
A: Mexico is a key player in Gilead’s global strategy. However, the country must increase its investment in healthcare and adopt innovation more rapidly and decisively. This is a critical lever that lies in the hands of policymakers. If they act, they could unlock a new era of prosperity for Mexico. A healthy population is a more productive one and contributes to both economic and social wellbeing. The low level of healthcare investment represents a straightforward opportunity for improvement. Increased investment in healthcare will yield significant and far-reaching benefits for the country.

Q: How will Gilead balance innovation with equitable access to its therapies in countries with different levels of infrastructure and investment?
A: This is not a task we can accomplish alone. The first and most essential element is collaboration with governments, NGOs, and the private sector. Having the medicine is only a small part of the overall solution. Robust health policies, diagnostic infrastructure, and appropriate prioritization are all required. Gilead has always maintained an inclusive approach, ensuring that no one is left behind. We adapt to each country’s socioeconomic realities and work closely with stakeholders to develop tailored solutions.

Q: How role do diversity and inclusion play within Gilead’s business strategy?
A: Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values. Complex problems can only be solved when they are understood from multiple perspectives, allowing us to identify the root cause. Without a diversity of viewpoints — and the willingness to listen to them — it is impossible to find real solutions. True innovation comes from identifying the missing piece and making space for it in the discussion. It is through this inclusive collaboration that humanity has solved some of its greatest challenges.

Q: How is Gilead working with governments, NGOs, and other partners to reduce barriers and improve health equity across Latin America?
A: We view governments as key partners. Our approach is to provide them with as much relevant information and data as possible to support positive health outcomes. We aim to align with their direction and walk alongside them. When governments begin to proactively seek our input, that is when we know we are making progress. Engaging with NGOs is also essential. They offer firsthand insights into the barriers patients face, and they provide a grounded, real-world perspective that is critical to building an effective and inclusive healthcare ecosystem.

Q: In which therapeutic do you foresee accelerated growth or stronger partnerships in the near future?
A: We see rapid growth in oncology, partly because we are starting from a relatively small base, but also because we believe the market potential is significant. Gilead’s operating model brings a new mindset to oncology, one that differentiates us in how we approach this space. We do not foresee exponential growth in hepatitis C cures or HIV treatment, as most advances now lie in prevention and early diagnosis. However, the adoption of HIV prevention therapies has the potential to transform how governments and societies address the epidemic, bringing us closer to its end.

Q: What new products will Gilead launch in the region in the short term?
A: In the next 12 months, we expect several important developments across Latin America. These include new oncology launches and expanded indications, as well as the introduction of a new HIV prevention option. We are also preparing to introduce an orphan drug for a rare liver inflammation disease. Although it is a niche therapy, it may become available in selected countries in the region.

Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing innovative therapies in virology, oncology, and inflammation. Known for its pioneering work in treating HIV and other viral diseases, Gilead continues to expand its impact through cutting-edge research and a commitment to addressing health inequities worldwide