The miracle balm of Gilead (A)
In 2013, US-based Gilead Sciences launched a miracle remedy for Hepatitis C. Sovaldi cured 90% of patients with a particular type of hepatitis in 12-weeks rather than the year it usually took, with greatly reduced side effects. Sovaldi generated great excitement worldwide. The only problem was its price. At $84,500 for a course of treatment, it was beyond the means of most patients. Advocacy groups had successfully won patent concessions from pharma companies including Gilead for HIV/AIDS treatments. Once again they launched major campaigns demanding that all patients be able to access this new drug based on need rather than ability to pay. Competitors, doctors, insurers, governments and patients all had their reasons to support the adoption of Sovaldi. The dynamics among these players would heavily impact Gilead’s future as well as the lives of millions of patients.
Understand the combined forces of stakeholders in exerting pressure on companies. Understand different health industry stakeholder motivations and agendas.
Gilead Sciences, Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals
2013-2014
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in MIT Sloan Management Review Summer 2024, vol. 65, no. 4
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