#Japan #Hepatitis B #Gilead Sciences #Chiyoda #medical donations

Gilead Launches Donations Program to Address Hepatitis B Challenges

Gilead Sciences, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is set to commence a new donation program starting March 23, 2026, aimed at alleviating barriers to hepatitis B testing and treatment. This initiative, targeting non-profit organizations, aims to foster effective strategies that encourage testing and prompt treatment for individuals affected by hepatitis B. Applications for funding will be accepted until June 30, 2026.

According to estimates from 2020, Japan harbors between 990,000 to 1.03 million individuals persistently infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Alarmingly, it is estimated that around 270,000 people are unaware of their infections, while approximately 350,000 to 390,000 know they are infected but are currently not receiving treatment. The lack of symptoms often associated with chronic hepatitis B results in missed opportunities for diagnosis and necessary medical intervention.

As chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious health complications like cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer, Gilead’s donation program is crucial for creating new pathways that ensure individuals undergo testing and receive timely treatment. The specific themes of focus for eligible projects include:

1. Promoting increased access to and participation in hepatitis B testing
2. Encouraging timely healthcare following a positive test result for hepatitis B, and creating supportive frameworks for initiating treatment

The program will evaluate eligible organizations based on rigorous criteria established by Gilead's donation review committee, ensuring that funds are allocated to initiatives that demonstrate efficacy, sustainability, and a significant societal impact.

Kenneth B. Theisen, President of Gilead, comments on the program, stating that “Gilead has long been dedicated to advancing hepatitis treatment through scientific innovation. By supporting the innovative and effective activities of patient organizations and healthcare professionals, we aim to contribute to creating an environment where hepatitis B patients can access testing and appropriate treatment more easily.”

Application Guidelines

Application Period:
March 23, 2026 - June 30, 2026

Eligibility Requirements:

• - Must be a non-profit organization (private companies are not eligible)
• - Must provide by-laws, previous year's activity reports, financial records, and an officer roster

Themes of Focus:

• - Enhancing access to hepatitis B testing
• - Developing systems that promote early healthcare engagement and facilitate safe treatment initiation

Evaluation Criteria:

• - Effectiveness, sustainability, originality, and societal impact of the proposed activities
• - Projects that can demonstrate achievable outcomes by September 2027
• - Non-commercial nature of the activities
• - Should not generate personal financial gain for healthcare professionals
• - Excludes regular medical operations in healthcare institutions
• - Should not cover costs that healthcare entities should bear themselves
• - Co-operation with Gilead’s hepatitis B-related communications during the funding period is required

Application Process:
For inquiries, please contact:
Gilead Donation Program Support Office
(Coconuts Sogo Co., Ltd. contact: Hirata)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03-5213-4410 (10:00 - 17:00, excluding weekends and holidays)

Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It leads to persistent inflammation of the liver, and often progresses without noticeable symptoms. As the inflammation continues, liver cells gradually become damaged, which can eventually lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. However, with adequate testing and appropriate treatment, it's possible to slow the progression of the disease. A significant concern, however, is that many people are not able to obtain the medical care they need due to informational, psychological, or social barriers.

About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company committed to innovating healthcare for a healthier world for over 35 years. With a focus on life-threatening diseases including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer, Gilead develops groundbreaking medicines based in Foster City, California, with operations in over 35 countries worldwide.