Sinopharm Holding and Gilead Sciences Sign Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Access to Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment in China

Economic Daily - China Economic Net, September 9 – On September 8, Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd. (“Sinopharm Group”) and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (“Gilead Sciences”) signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai. The two parties will fully leverage their respective strengths in pharmaceutical innovation, market expansion, and channel and retail management to comprehensively improve the accessibility of innovative drugs for chronic hepatitis B among patients in China. Luo Yongqing, Global Vice President and General Manager of Greater China at Gilead Sciences, and Liu Yong, President of Sinopharm Group, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective companies. Jacopo Andreose, Senior Global Vice President and Head of Intercontinental Markets at Gilead Sciences, participated in the signing ceremony via video link and witnessed this important moment.

Currently, there are approximately 86 million hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers in China, accounting for about one-third of the global infected population. Chronic hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. Patients with chronic hepatitis B face a high risk of death from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although chronic hepatitis B virus cannot be completely eradicated at present, the upgrading and iteration of antiviral drugs in China have provided patients with treatment options that feature extremely low drug resistance rates and improved safety profiles. Long-term, standardized treatment can reduce the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.

In 2018, Gilead Sciences’ new drug for chronic hepatitis B, Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide fumarate tablets), was officially launched in China. This marked the first novel oral antiviral medication approved in China for chronic hepatitis B in five years, bringing significant benefits to a vast number of patients with chronic hepatitis B in the country. By the end of 2019, Vemlidy was included in the updated National Reimbursement Drug List through national medical insurance negotiations, making it more affordable and accessible to a broader population of hepatitis B patients in China.

Pursuant to the agreement, Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd. will leverage its extensive network layout, robust channel management capabilities, and professional marketing team and services to further enhance the accessibility of Vemlidy in vast grassroots markets, thereby helping more patients with chronic hepatitis B improve their quality of life and return to normal living.

Luo Yongqing, Global Vice President and General Manager of China at Gilead Sciences, stated, “‘A world without hepatitis’ is the vision of Gilead Sciences. Since commencing commercial operations in China in 2017, we have rapidly introduced eight globally innovative medicines and have continuously promoted drug accessibility through medical insurance inclusion and multi-party collaborations. Leveraging the grassroots team and extensive network coverage advantages of Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd., I believe this collaboration will help more patients in need improve their treatment outcomes.”

Jacopo Andreose, Senior Vice President of Global Markets at Gilead Sciences, stated: “Gilead Sciences is committed to helping improve public health in China and around the world. In addition to investing heavily in research and development and innovating treatment regimens, we actively collaborate with strategic partners to deliver medications to patients in need. Our partnership with Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd. serves as an excellent example of this commitment. As we continue to introduce innovative drugs, Gilead hopes to join forces with more like-minded partners in the future to jointly advance patient care and contribute to improving public health.”

Liu Yong, President of Sinopharm Group 

Liu Yong, President of Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd., stated, “Since Gilead Sciences entered the Chinese market, both parties have engaged in a series of collaborations under an exclusive import distribution agreement for antiviral-related products. Today’s signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in our strategic partnership. We will fully leverage our advantages in brand strength, distribution channels, and network coverage to continuously expand terminal healthcare access to Vemlidy, thereby benefiting more hepatitis B patients in China. Looking ahead, we hope to further strengthen our cooperation to better meet the growing health needs of the population and contribute to the development of China’s healthcare industry.”