#Japan #Tokyo #CAR T Therapy #Gilead Sciences #Kite Pharma

Gilead Sciences Initiates Program for CAR T Cell Therapy Access

Gilead Sciences, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, led by President Kenneth B. Frazier, recently announced the selection of three proposals from different organizations for its donation program aimed at addressing regional disparities in access to CAR T cell therapy. This program solicited ideas from April to July 2025.

CAR T cell therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that involves harvesting T cells from a patient’s own white blood cells and modifying them to attack cancer cells before reintroducing them into the patient’s body. Since receiving approval in Japan in 2019, the number of hospitals offering CAR T cell therapy has increased nationwide. However, access remains concentrated in urban areas, particularly in Tokyo and neighboring prefectures, as well as the Kinki region. This concentration raises significant challenges in ensuring equitable access to these vital treatments across all regions of the country.

To tackle these issues, Gilead’s donation program sought innovative ideas to improve access to CAR T therapy. Following a rigorous evaluation by Gilead's selection committee, the following three proposals were selected:

1. NPO Blood Information Plaza - Tsubasa: Development of a 'matching app' for streamlining hospital adjustments for cancer patients in need of CAR T treatment.
2. Kyoto University Hospital: Establishment of a multi-layered collaboration model aimed at eliminating disparities in access to CAR T therapy.
3. Kyushu University Hospital: Development of a framework to ensure appropriate access to CAR T cell therapy for patients throughout the Kyushu region.

Regarding the selections, Kenneth B. Frazier expressed, "For patients suffering from hematologic cancers with limited treatment options, CAR T cell therapy can be a crucial alternative. We aim to work collaboratively with healthcare facilities across Japan to improve access so that anyone, regardless of their location, can consider CAR T cell therapy as a viable option."

Program Overview

Name

CAR T Cell Therapy Donation Program to Address Regional Disparities

Application Period

April 4, 2025 - July 7, 2025

Eligibility Criteria

• - Must be a nonprofit organization (private companies are not eligible).
• - Must submit articles of incorporation, activity reports from the previous year, financial reports, and a list of executives.
• - Activities must not benefit individual medical professionals.
• - Proposed activities should show potential results by July 31, 2026.
• - Must cooperate with PR activities during the period of the adopted activities.

Goal of the Program

To implement initiatives that address regional disparities related to CAR T cell therapy.

About Kite

Kite, a Gilead company based in Santa Monica, California, is a biopharmaceutical firm focusing on cell therapy to combat cancer. As a global leader, Kite is dedicated to providing CAR T cell therapy to as many patients as possible, operating the largest in-house cell therapy manufacturing network worldwide.

For more information, visit www.kitepharma.com.

About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company, has pursued healthcare innovation for over 35 years with a vision for a healthier world. The company develops innovative medications for life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer, and operates in over 35 countries worldwide from its headquarters in Foster City, California.

As the demand for effective cancer treatments grows, Gilead's proactive approach to enhancing accessibility to CAR T cell therapy underscores its commitment to providing groundbreaking solutions in the healthcare landscape.