STAT+: AIDS activists slam Biden R&D deal with Gilead over HIV prevention drug patents

STAT PlusPharmalot AIDS activists slam Biden R&D deal with Gilead over HIV prevention drug patents Advocacy group contends the company was rewarded for infringing on government-held patents Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 13, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. After more than a year of squabbling, a group of AIDS activists obtained an R&D agreement that was at the heart of a settlement between the U.S. government and Gilead Sciences over patents for HIV prevention drugs. But in their view, the deal shows the Biden administration missed an “historic” opportunity to invest in — and expand access to — HIV prevention tools. As noted previously, the settlement resolved a lawsuit that was filed six years ago by the previous Trump administration after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintained that Gilead infringed its patent rights. The agency had helped fund academic research that later formed the basis for two Gilead HIV pills, Truvada and Descovy.Advertisement The administration had alleged that Gilead ignored the contributions by CDC scientists, exaggerated its own role in developing HIV prevention drugs, and refused to sign a licensing agreement despite “multiple attempts” at reaching a deal after unfairly reaping hundreds of millions of dollars from research funded by taxpayers. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, drug development, HIV/AIDS, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, public health, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter From the lab to the medicine chest, these are the must-read drug industry updates of the day Recommended Pharmalot July 13, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an RFK Jr. push against psychiatric meds, a Sanofi blood cancer drug, and more Pharmalot July 10, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about bigger drug discounts in Germany, drugmakers embracing secrecy, and more Advertisement Pharmalot July 9, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about FDA commissioner contenders, a heart drug failure, and more Pharmalot July 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Vera kidney drug approval, a U.K. Enhertu pricing deal, and more Pharmalot July 7, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a $10 billion Vertex deal, the pace of FDA drug approvals, and more Subscriber Picks