Recently, Gilead Sciences won the "Outstanding ESG Practice Award" in the 2024-2025 Mercer China Employer of Excellence in Health and Employee Awards, standing out from more than 100 participating companies for its systematic ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy and extensive impact in serving patients and communities.
In recent years, the concept of sustainable development represented by ESG has gradually changed from a "plus" to a "must-answer question" for enterprises. "Gilead has always embed ESG commitments throughout the company's value system and into every aspect of our business practices to achieve our vision of creating a healthier world for all," said Fangqian Jin, global vice president and general manager of Gilead Sciences. Since entering the Chinese market in 2017, we have accelerated the introduction of innovative therapies, continued to improve access to medicines, and invested heavily in empowering our employees and communities, and actively working with our partners to advance health equity. In the future, we will continue to focus on and practice responsible and sustainable business operations. ”
[Jin Fangqian (left), Global Vice President and General Manager of Gilead Sciences, received the "ESG Practice Excellence Award" on behalf of the company]
Launched in 2016, Mercer China is a biennial employer that focuses on the selection of influential employer brands in the field of workplace health. As ESG concepts are gradually integrated into all aspects of corporate fulfillment of employer's responsibility, industrial responsibility and social responsibility, Mercer established the "ESG Practice Excellence Award" for the first time in this year's selection, aiming to recognize employers who actively practice ESG concepts, have a sound ESG strategic framework, and integrate employee health and well-being.
Achieve breakthroughs with scientific innovation
Since its founding in California, United States, Gilead Sciences has been committed to "pushing the impossible" through bold and transformative scientific innovations that address the world's most challenging public health threats and help millions of people around the world live healthier lives. In 2017, Gilead officially began commercial operations in China, focusing on the three major disease areas of virology, oncology and mycology, to provide innovative treatment options for Chinese patients.
At present, Gilead has introduced 11 world-leading drugs to China, of which 8 drugs have been listed in the National Medical Insurance Catalogue, making it possible for more patients to receive innovative drug treatment and return to a healthy life. In 2022, Gilead China began to build a local R&D team and promote R&D capacity building, and has promoted the rapid development of nearly 20 Phase II/III clinical research projects in China.
Advancing health equity and access
Recognizing that developing and delivering innovative medicines is only one aspect of improving public health, Gilead has been working with partners to help the public and communities address the challenges they face and promote equity and access to health while accelerating the introduction of innovative medicines.
For example, in the field of viral hepatitis, Gilead has supported activities such as hepatitis B HBV-DNA high-sensitivity testing and free hepatitis C screening for several years to help improve the diagnosis and treatment rate of viral hepatitis. Support the China Foundation for the Prevention of STDs and AIDS to launch a follow-up project for previously reported hepatitis C cases, and help implement the "destocking" strategy of the national action to eliminate the public health hazards of hepatitis C; Support the China Primary Health Care Foundation to launch the 2022 edition of the "Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B" nationwide tour to promote the exchange of the latest clinical treatment concepts; Through the public welfare support film "More than Endless", more people can understand the social plight faced by people living with hepatitis B virus, reduce misunderstanding and discrimination against patients, and support the construction of a more friendly social environment.
[Movie "More than Endless" Gilead ▪ Hepatitis B Anti-Discrimination Theme Viewing Theater]
In the field of HIV, Gilead has partnered with the China Association for STD and AIDS Prevention and Control to promote the popularization of advanced HIV antiretroviral treatment concepts such as "Quick Start", and has continued to provide support in building the capacity of standardized diagnosis and treatment of HIV at the grassroots level and the construction of a standardized service system for HIV precision medicine in more than 150 hospitals across the country. Since 2020, Gilead has been making ongoing philanthropic donations to enable 55 eligible HIV-infected students at Linfen Red Ribbon School to receive innovative drugs and regular health check-ups to better study and live. At the same time, Gilead also actively works with the media, industry experts, health institutions, academic associations and other social parties to carry out extensive and continuous disease awareness campaigns, disseminate correct knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and help eliminate social discrimination.
【Linfen Red Ribbon School children receive regular physical examinations】
Nowadays, breast cancer has become the most common malignant tumor among women in mainland China. Earlier this year, Gilead and Marie Jia magazine jointly launched the "Symbiosis with Cancer, Win Infinite Possibilities" women's anti-cancer health public welfare advocacy program, which deeply presents women's personal experiences and true stories of friendship and mutual assistance in the fight against breast cancer, and actively advocates the necessity of raising awareness of anti-cancer health. Through the launch of the "Heath-Gilead Cancer Research Fund", it supports academic research in the field of oncology and promotes the transformation of scientific research in the field of oncology.
Due to the increasing incidence of invasive fungal infections in mainland China and the difficulty of diagnosis, Gilead supported the Beijing Science and Technology Innovation Medical Development Foundation to launch the "Amphotericin Class B Antifungal Drug Clinical Application Research Fund" to promote clinical and translational research on invasive fungal diseases, and to support the training and growth of specialists in the field of antifungal infections.
To address barriers to access health care for underserved populations, Gilead continues to invest in supporting a variety of community organizations in its therapeutic areas to help improve access and care. So far, the company has supported nearly 40 community organizations and more than 60 public welfare projects in China through corporate funding and donations, providing help to people and communities affected by diseases.
Empower employees and communities
Gilead believes that employees and communities are two equally important dimensions of social responsibility in our ESG strategy, and that only in an inclusive and diverse work environment can employees maximize their potential to better serve patients and their communities. While Gilead encourages employees to continue to innovate, it also attaches great importance to the physical and mental health and growth of employees. In addition to a competitive comprehensive compensation and benefits system, the company also provides a full range of training courses and development platforms, rich cultural construction and care activities, and intimate employee assistance programs. These initiatives not only improve employee well-being, but also contribute to an inclusive workplace that fosters team collaboration and innovation.
Over the years, Gilead has also taken the initiative to empower its employees to make a positive impact in the community. Since 2019, the company has carried out regular employee volunteer activities every year. During this year's Employee Volunteer Month, employees across the country have responded to the call to build a patient rehabilitation activity area with breast cancer rehabilitation volunteers, or to carry out street science popularization and health gift kits with HIV community organizations, or to participate in handicraft and science classes with HIV-infected children to send them care......
Gilead employee volunteers and cancer patient organizations build a comfortable and caring patient rehabilitation area
Sustain our planet
As an environmentally responsible company, Gilead has developed a global sustainability strategy to reduce the environmental impact of its supply chain and the production and distribution of its products, as well as the consumption of natural resources. In China, Gilead has located all its offices in LEED-certified green buildings, and continues to promote green operations in all offices, raising employees' awareness of environmental protection and advocating carbon reduction actions through activities such as "Plastic-Free Workplace" and "Green Initiative".