Gilead Sciences Inc - GILD STOCK NEWS

Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD) announced its executives will participate in two upcoming investor conferences. The SVB Leerink Global Healthcare Conference is scheduled for February 25, 2021, at 1:40 p.m. EST, followed by the Cowen Annual Health Care Conference on March 4, 2021, at 12:10 p.m. EST. Live webcasts of these presentations can be accessed on the company’s investor page, with replays available for at least 14 days post-event.

Gilead is committed to advancing innovative therapies for serious diseases and operates in over 35 countries.

Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD) has partnered with Wake Forest University School of Divinity as part of its COMPASS Initiative, aimed at addressing the HIV epidemic in the Southern United States. This partnership will expand outreach to faith-based communities, particularly the Black church. Established in 2017, COMPASS is a 10-year initiative investing over $100 million in combating healthcare disparities and HIV stigma. Gilead has provided $52 million to nearly 150 organizations since the program's inception, focusing on areas identified by the CDC as severely impacted by HIV.

Kite, a Gilead Company (Nasdaq: GILD), presented new analysis from the ZUMA-1 trial of Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma at the ASTCT meetings. In Cohort 6, prophylactic corticosteroids were used with no Grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and 13% experienced Grade ≥3 neurologic events. A significant 95% response rate was observed, with 80% achieving complete responses. Early intervention showed promise in managing severe side effects associated with CAR T-cell therapy, emphasizing safety improvements for future applications.

Galapagos NV and Gilead Sciences have announced the halt of the ISABELA Phase 3 clinical studies for ziritaxestat, an investigational autotaxin inhibitor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This decision follows the Independent Data Monitoring Committee's review, which indicated that the benefit-risk profile of ziritaxestat no longer supports ongoing trials. The ISABELA program aimed to enroll 1,500 patients, but all trials, including a Phase 2a extension, will be discontinued. Both companies expressed disappointment but remain committed to advancing IPF research.

Kite, a Gilead Company (Nasdaq: GILD), has appointed Frank Neumann, MD, PhD, as Senior Vice President and Global Head of Clinical Development. Dr. Neumann will spearhead Kite's clinical initiatives in hematological malignancies and solid tumors. He joins from Verastem, bringing extensive experience in cell therapy and oncology. Ken Takeshita, MD, is set to leave the company at the end of February after successfully overseeing multiple clinical program milestones, including FDA approvals. Dr. Neumann is excited to expand Kite's cell therapy portfolio, aiming to deliver innovative treatments for cancer patients.

Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD) has announced a 4.4% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, raising it to $0.71 per share. This adjustment will take effect in the first quarter of 2021, with the dividend payable on March 30, 2021, to stockholders on record as of March 15, 2021. The decision reflects Gilead's ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders, although future dividends will remain subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD) announced its Q4 and full-year 2020 results, emphasizing the significant role of Veklury in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients. CEO Daniel O’Day highlighted the company's commitment to addressing various health needs, including HIV and cancer. Gilead is optimistic about growth opportunities in oncology with Trodelvy, while continuing its leadership in antivirals. Overall, the company is positioned for growth as it enters 2021.

Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD) and Gritstone Oncology (Nasdaq: GRTS) have announced a collaboration to develop a vaccine-based immunotherapy aimed at curing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The partnership will utilize Gritstone's prime-boost vaccine platform, combining self-amplifying mRNA and adenoviral vectors with antigens from Gilead. Gilead will initially invest $60 million, including a $30 million cash payment and a $30 million equity investment, and has the option for further funding up to $725 million based on clinical milestones.