#Japan #Tokyo #Gilead #CAR T cell #Therapy Program

Gilead's Initiative to Bridge the Gap in CAR T Cell Therapy Access

Gilead Sciences, a leading biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is launching a donation program aimed at addressing the disparities in access to CAR T cell therapy for patients suffering from particular types of blood cancers. This initiative is set to run from March 9, 2026, to May 11, 2026.

CAR T cell therapy is an innovative treatment method that involves extracting T cells from a patient's blood, modifying their immune function, and then reintroducing them into the patient's body to target cancer cells. This groundbreaking therapy received approval in Japan in 2019 and, due to the nature of the treatment involving just one administration, it can serve as a beacon of hope for patients with limited options. However, between 2019 and 2024, research shows that approximately 55% of patients receiving cell therapy, including CAR T therapy, live in urban areas such as Tokyo and Kansai, indicating a significant regional disparity in access to this critical treatment.

Last year, Gilead's inaugural donation program successfully supported various projects, including the development of a 'matching app' to streamline hospitalization for cancer patients requiring CAR-T therapy, the establishment of a multi-layered partnership model aimed at eliminating access disparities, and initiatives focused on improving access in the Kyushu region. This year, Gilead continues to seek innovative proposals that can help reduce regional gaps in CAR T cell therapy access and will provide support for the selected initiatives via this donation program.

Kenneth B. Kretchmer, the President of Gilead Sciences, stated, “We are committed to creating an environment where blood cancer patients can access equal treatment opportunities, regardless of their geographical location. Following the success of last year’s program, we look forward to receiving a diverse range of proposals this year.”

Eligibility Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

Eligible Organizations

To apply, organizations must meet specific criteria:
1. Be a nonprofit entity (private companies are excluded).
2. Provide articles of incorporation, last year's activity report, financial disclosure, and a list of board members.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals must demonstrate:

• - Potential for measurable results by the end of July 2027.
• - Non-profit activity with no profit-driven motive.
• - No involvement of personal financial gain for healthcare professionals.
• - Content unrelated to standard medical operations performed by medical institutions.
• - Not cover costs that should be borne by the medical institutions themselves (e.g., indirect costs).
• - Collaboration with Gilead during the selected activity period for CAR T-related communications.
• - Consideration of feasibility, sustainability, novelty, and budget.

Submission Timeline

• - Application Deadline: May 11, 2026.
• - Selection Period: Late May 2026.
• - Announcement of Selected Projects: Mid-June 2026.

Application Contact Information

For inquiries or applications, please contact:
Gilead Donation Program Support Office (Coconuts Co., Ltd. - Attention: Hirata)
E-mail: [email protected]
TEL: 03-5213-4410 (Available weekdays from 10 AM to 5 PM, excluding holidays)

About Kite

Kite, a Gilead company headquartered in Santa Monica, California, focuses on cellular therapies to pursue the potential for cancer treatment and healing. As a global leader, Kite has provided CAR-T cell therapy to numerous patients and boasts the most extensive in-house manufacturing network for cell therapy in the world, encompassing process development, vector manufacturing, clinical trials, and commercial production.

For more information, please visit www.kitepharma.com.

About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences has pursued medical innovations for over 35 years, aiming to create a healthier world for all individuals. The biopharmaceutical company is committed to developing innovative therapies aimed at preventing and treating life-threatening illnesses such as HIV, hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Gilead operates in over 35 countries worldwide.