Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, Inc. stands as one of the world's most influential biopharmaceutical companies, headquartered in Foster City, California, with a mission to create a healthier world for all people by delivering innovative therapies that offer new hope to those impacted by disease. As a member of both the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 100, Gilead has established itself as a powerhouse in the development of antiviral drugs, particularly in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, influenza, and COVID-19.

Founded in 1987 under the name Oligogen by Michael L. Riordan, MD, the company began with just $2 million in initial capital and a bold vision to develop pharmaceuticals targeting viral diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The original name referenced oligonucleotides, small strands of DNA used to target genetic sequences. After resolving trademark issues, Riordan chose the name "Gilead" inspired by the Balm of Gilead from Lanford Wilson's play. From these humble beginnings, Gilead has grown into a global enterprise with $28.8 billion in annual revenue (2024), 17,600 employees, and a market capitalization of $157 billion.

The company's journey to prominence was marked by significant milestones. After debuting on NASDAQ in January 1992 with an initial public offering that raised $86.25 million, Gilead launched its first product, Vistide (cidofovir injection), in June 1996 for treating cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS patients. However, the company didn't achieve profitability until 2001—14 years after its founding—a testament to the long-term commitment required in pharmaceutical development. The turning point came with strategic acquisitions and breakthrough drug approvals. The $10.4 billion acquisition of Pharmasset in 2011 proved transformative, cementing Gilead's leadership in hepatitis C treatment with the subsequent approval of Sovaldi in 2013. The $11.9 billion acquisition of Kite Pharma in 2017 marked Gilead's bold entry into cell therapy.

Today, Gilead's antiviral portfolio includes groundbreaking treatments that have revolutionized disease management. Biktarvy has become a leading HIV treatment regimen, while the company's investigational lenacapavir demonstrated 100% efficacy in preventing HIV infection in cisgender women in Phase III trials (June 2024) and received FDA approval in June 2025 as Yeztugo—the first and only twice-yearly HIV prevention option. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gilead's Veklury (remdesivir), built on over a decade of antiviral research, became the standard of care for hospitalized patients, with approximately 14.5 million patients worldwide treated. The company processes over 50 billion transactions annually and continues to expand through strategic acquisitions like CymaBay Therapeutics ($4.3 billion, February 2024) and Interius BioTherapeutics ($350 million, 2025), demonstrating its commitment to advancing therapeutic options across liver disease, oncology, and innovative CAR-T therapies.

Gilead's corporate culture centers on five core values: integrity, inclusion, teamwork, accountability, and excellence. The company has been recognized as one of America's Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes and named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for four consecutive years. With a comprehensive Total Rewards program including competitive compensation, immediate 401(k) vesting, up to 12 weeks of parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and unique benefits like a winter shutdown and US summer shutdown for employees to recharge, Gilead demonstrates its belief that its people are its greatest asset. As of 2024, Gilead has made 18 strategic acquisitions totaling over $50 billion, positioning itself as a preeminent force in biopharmaceuticals while remaining steadfast in its commitment to delivering life-saving therapies to patients in need across the globe.