Antibiotic ResistanceBreast HealthCancer CareCardiovascular HealthColorectal Health
DiabetesDigestive Health and DiseasesEpilepsyInfectious DiseasesLiving With HIV & Aids
Lung HealthMen's Mental HealthHealth EquityHealthcare TechOpioid Awareness
Oral HealthOvarian Cancer AwarenessProstate and Urological HealthRare DiseasesSenior Health
Skin HealthTransplantsSubstance Misuse and Suicide PreventionVaccine AwarenessVision Care
Home » Infectious Diseases » Making Progress for People Affected by Liver Disease
Sponsored

The liver is one of the body’s most vital organs, working tirelessly behind the scenes to detoxify, regulate metabolism, store vitamins, and produce proteins that keep us healthy.1 Yet, when the liver doesn’t function properly, it can lead to liver disease — a broad category that may include life-threatening conditions.1

Today, around 4.5 million adults in the United States are living with one of the many known types of liver conditions.2,3 Some chronic liver conditions, such as viral hepatitis or primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune liver disease, continue to be a major health issue in the United States as they can lead to more advanced liver conditions that may impact overall health if left untreated.4,5,6

Reimagining liver health through innovative science

Scientific innovation is the driving force behind true progress for people living with chronic liver conditions. At Gilead, our unwavering focus has always been on understanding the diverse needs and experiences of those affected by these diseases. This deep connection to their journey drives our commitment to advancing scientific research and developing solutions that have a potential to make a tangible difference for those who need it most.

Not too long ago, a diagnosis of hepatitis C (HCV) felt like an irreversible, life-altering health scenario with few treatment options. Previous treatment regimens were often complex and lengthy, leaving many questioning what their next steps should be. We knew that more had to be done to address the burdens faced by this community. That knowledge sparked our pursuit of innovative research to help improve HCV care.

Gilead is proud to have played a pivotal role in helping to pioneer a wave of highly effective medications that have helped revolutionize the management of HCV. The introduction of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications offered treatment regimens with shorter durations and cure rates of 95% or higher, which can be defined by the absence of detectable HCV RNA in patients after 12 weeks of treatment.5,7 These innovations didn’t just change the treatment landscape — they offered people living with HCV the possibility of a cure that may have once felt out of reach.5

This breakthrough in HCV, coupled with the development of effective treatments for hepatitis B, laid the groundwork for future scientific advancements in liver health. Today, we continue to build on that foundation, leveraging insights from the community and our extensive expertise to explore opportunities for a cure for hepatitis B while simultaneously addressing the challenges posed by hepatitis Delta  — a rare, yet highly aggressive form of viral hepatitis.8 We’ve also expanded our commitment in liver disease with the availability of a treatment for PBC to help meet the current unmet need of people living with the disease.

NaYoung Park

Vice President, U.S. Liver Business Unit, Gilead Sciences

    “People within the liver disease community remain at the forefront of our mission,” said NaYoung Park, vice president of Gilead Sciences’ U.S. Liver Business Unit. “Our long-standing commitment has propelled us to push the boundaries of what is possible in scientific research and innovation, with our focus always on delivering the tools and resources that people with viral hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis need.”

    To achieve groundbreaking science, we know that it’s never a journey we take alone. That’s why we actively collaborate with key experts, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and academics to help refine our scientific approach. Our Research Scholar and Grant Programs, in partnership with external medical and academic organizations, deepen our understanding of these liver conditions and help address unmet needs still facing these communities today.

    To date, Gilead has supported over 78 emerging investigators globally to help shape the future of HCV screening and care, and recently launched a two-year program to advance scientific knowledge on PBC, focusing on the unmet medical needs of people living with this condition. We have published nearly 600 manuscripts in top-tier scientific journals, ensuring that cutting-edge research and insights reach the broader medical community. “As we work to drive meaningful change for the liver community, we must continue investing in transformative science and collaborating with partners who share our vision for a future where liver diseases are no longer a burden to those affected by them,” Park noted.

    Leveraging public-private partnerships to drive holistic care

    We recognize that our support goes beyond just providing treatments – it’s about building a network of care that touches lives in meaningful ways. National and local partnerships and collaborations are vital in addressing the complex challenges of care in liver diseases. By working together across communities, healthcare providers, organizations, and governments, our collective expertise and resources can help expand access to treatment, raise awareness, and provide the support needed for those living or caring for someone with a liver condition.

    Sandrine Piret-Gerard

    Senior Vice President, U.S. Commercial, Gilead

      “With our public-private partners, we can help create a stronger, more holistic pathway from screening to diagnosis to treatment, ensuring that all individuals, especially underserved populations, can receive the care and support they need,” said Sandrine Piret-Gerard, senior vice president of U.S. Commercial for Gilead.

      In the heart of Appalachia, where the opioid crisis has fueled a surge in HCV infections, Gilead launched the HepConnect initiative to provide meaningful support to vulnerable communities affected by injection drug use. Through this program, we fostered partnerships with local programs and communities to help support access to care, and strived to reduce the prevalence and impact of HCV in underserved communities. HepConnect not only helped to increase awareness but also advocated for policies around HCV that focused on improving screening and diagnosis, harm reduction and community education and strengthening healthcare infrastructure in areas hardest hit by the opioid crisis.

      Public-private collaboration is especially critical because the obstacles faced by different communities vary significantly. As Piret-Gerard points out, “Each region of the country has a unique set of challenges that will require tailored solutions to actually drive impactful change.” By joining forces with local leaders in regions like Appalachia, we are better equipped to identify and address the specific needs of diverse populations.

      Advancing education to help improve care outcomes

      Education plays a central role in helping individuals living with liver disease make informed decisions about their care. Gilead is continuing to collaborate alongside healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and community organizations to ensure people living with liver diseases have access to the information, resources, and support necessary to help improve outcomes and manage their conditions.

      Specifically in HCV, despite the availability of curable therapies, the disease continues to pose healthcare challenges in the United States. HCV, often referred to as the “silent disease,” can go undiagnosed for years because it shows few symptoms until liver damage occurs. Of the approximately 4 million people living with HCV in the United States today, an estimated 40% are unaware they have it.9,10 If left untreated, HCV may lead to severe complications, including liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.5,6

      As HCV is spread by blood-to-blood contact, injection drug use remains one of the leading causes of transmission in the United States.11 The opioid crisis had exacerbated the rise of new HCV cases with consecutive annual increases observed for over a decade.12,13While the number of new infections declined for the first time in 2022, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), national elimination goals demonstrate the need for further education and awareness of HCV and its transmission to help combat its spread.13 By working closely with national and local partners, we aim to raise awareness of HCV transmission, encourage screening, and educate vulnerable communities on available treatments.

      “To make meaningful progress in the fight against HCV and broader liver diseases, we must prioritize outreach to vulnerable populations, especially people who inject drugs,” Park said. “This demographic has historically been stigmatized and overlooked, but we cannot afford to leave anyone behind.” The CDC recommends that all adults get tested for HCV at least once in their lifetime, and more frequent testing is encouraged for individuals with higher risk factors, such as a history of injection drug use.14

      There is still more work to be done to ensure these vulnerable communities have the necessary information they need to aid them on their HCV treatment journeys. We remain more committed than ever to working with our external partners to find innovative solutions for prioritizing HCV care in these communities.

      Prioritizing liver health: A commitment to fostering healthier futures

      While tremendous progress has been made in liver diseases, like viral hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis, we recognize this work is far from complete. By working collaboratively with healthcare providers, policymakers, advocates, and individuals living with liver disease, we are determined to help overcome the remaining barriers to care and achieve our shared vision of improving care for people living with liver disease.

      To learn more about Gilead’s commitment to transforming liver disease, visit Gilead.com

      GILEAD and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

      © 2025 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-UNBC-3036 03/25

      References

      1. Cleveland Clinic. Liver: What It Does, Disorders & Symptoms, Staying Healthy. Cleveland Clinic. Published February 22, 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21481-liver
      2. Cleveland Clinic. Liver Disease: Types. Cleveland Clinic. Published October 4, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17179-liver-disease
      3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. FastStats. CDC. Published October 11, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/liver-disease.htm
      4. ‌Mayo Clinic. Primary biliary cholangitis – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published November 14, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376874
      5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment of Hepatitis C. Published April 12, 2024. Accessed March 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/treatment/index.html
      6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis C Surveillance. 2022 Viral Hepatitis Surveillance Report. Published December 16, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-surveillance-2022/hepatitis-c/index.html
      7. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical Care of Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C. Published January 31, 2025. Accessed March 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/hcp/clinical-care/index.html
      8. World Health Organization. Hepatitis D. Who.int. Published July 8, 2019. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-d
      9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Published December 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.html
      10. Hall EW, Bradley H, Barker LK, et al. Estimating hepatitis C prevalence in the United States, 2017-2020. Hepatology. May 13, 2024;81(2):625-636. doi:10.1097/HEP.0000000000000927
      11. Mateu-Gelabert P, Sabounchi NS, Guarino H, et al. Hepatitis C virus risk among young people who inject drugs. Frontiers in Public Health. 2022;10. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.835836
      12. ‌Key Populations: Identification and Management of HCV in People Who Inject Drugs | HCV Guidance. www.hcvguidelines.org. https://www.hcvguidelines.org/unique-populations/pwid
      13. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024 Viral Hepatitis National Progress Report Overview. Viral Hepatitis. Published December 5, 2024. Accessed March 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/php/npr-2024/overview.html
      14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical Screening and Diagnosis for Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C. Published May 13, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/hcp/diagnosis-testing/index.html
      Author
      Gilead Sciences
      Next
      Share Share
      Next article