Gilead Initiates Phase III Tenofovir Trials for Chronic HBV

Foster City, CA, July 19, 2005 - Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) has begun enrolling patients in its Phase III clinical program evaluating the oral antiviral drug tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Two Phase III clinical trials (Studies 102 and 103) will evaluate tenofovir DF among patients with either hepatitis B "e" antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B or HBeAg-negative/anti-hepatitis B "e" positive (anti-HBe positive) chronic hepatitis B.

"Gilead has already brought to market Hepsera, an important antiviral for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B," said Norbert Bischofberger, PhD, Executive Vice President, Research and Development, Gilead Sciences. "We are pleased to now initiate our second clinical program in this therapeutic area, underscoring our dedication to and investment in exploring new treatment options for hepatitis B." Read Full Article.