Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

PatientView’s annual survey, which was conducted between December 2024 and March of this year, included 2,546 patient groups representing more than 41 million patients, with large proportions working in the cancer, rare diseases and HIV/AIDS spaces. For the second year in a row, the pharmaceutical industry has dipped further out of favor with patient groups around the world.The industry’s reputation surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to PatientView’s annual survey of patient groups, peaking two years ago, when 60% of those surveyed said pharma’s reputation was “good” or “excellent.” Last year’s edition of the survey, however, saw that number decline to 57%.PatientView released the latest survey results Tuesday, showing that the number of patient groups with a favorable view of the pharma industry has taken another slight drop, with 56% calling it “good” or “excellent.”That’s still higher than the pre-pandemic numbers: Between 2014 and 2019, the number never crossed the 50% mark. It also ties the pharma industry with the biotech industry for the most positive ratings among several sectors of healthcare; the next highest-rated sector is retail pharmacies, which scored 48%, followed by generic drug manufacturers and medical devicemakers, with favorability scores of 44% and 43%, respectively.The survey, which was conducted between December 2024 and March of this year, included 2,546 patient groups representing more than 41 million patients, with large proportions working in the cancer, rare diseases and HIV/AIDS spaces. When asked about pharma’s performance in terms of specific activities, patient groups rated most highly the industry’s work to put out products that benefit patients, with 62% giving that a “good” or “excellent” rating.Lowest rated, meanwhile, were matters of pricing: The industry scored below 20% on both pricing transparency and fair pricing policies. Still, the patient groups recognized some progress in that area, with funding transparency earning a 32% positive rating, up 12 points from 2020—the biggest improvement among the 14 activities included on the list.“Pharma’s global reputation is only likely to improve when the industry continues to grow its understanding of the benefits that patient groups wish to attain from corporate partnerships,” PatientView said in the report.“Patient groups are vocal in what they want to see from pharma, and regulators and policymakers are taking note,” it continued. “If the pharmaceutical industry is to continue to advance healthcare, it needs to do more than just consult patients and patient groups; it needs to build strategies and activities with them.”As for which drugmakers the surveyed patient groups view most favorably, ViiV Healthcare once again took first place. Last year’s ranking placed Gilead Sciences and Roche behind ViiV, in that order; this year’s swaps the order of the two runners-up.When the list was narrowed to just 15 Big Pharma companies, Roche took first place, followed by Gilead and Novartis.

At the heart of the report—and of the overall campaign—is a list of five recommendations that Gilead and Sophia Forum are aiming to be included in the next update to the U.K. government’s HIV response plan, due later this year. Gilead Sciences and Sophia Forum, a London-based charity, have launched a campaign to improve HIV care and outreach for women in the U.K.—a group that, according to the partners, has long been overlooked in the nation’s response to the epidemic.In 2019, the U.K. government set a goal to end new transmissions of HIV, AIDS diagnoses and HIV-related deaths in the country by 2030. A policy report (PDF) from Gilead and Sophia Forum notes that the government action plan not only omits any specific discussion of women’s needs but also fails to reference gender at all.The report, titled “Systematically Excluded and Ignored: Addressing Inequalities for Women in the HIV Response,” draws on research, interviews and workshops to compile information about women’s experiences with HIV awareness, diagnosis, care and support. It tackles the overarching issues behind what the partners call the “HIV gender gap,” including a lack of awareness, widespread social stigma and outdated knowledge and policies that focus largely on men.The report cites statistics showing that while women made up nearly half of all new HIV diagnoses in 2023 in England, they comprised only 3% of those using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Additionally, more than 40% of women were diagnosed with HIV late, perhaps due in part to the finding that HIV testing uptake is only 65% for women, compared to more than 80% for men.At the heart of the report—and of the overall campaign—is a list of five recommendations that the partners are aiming to be included in the next update to the government’s HIV response plan, due later this year. They include prioritizing women in both local and national HIV strategies; improving research and awareness around women and HIV; applying a “gender-transformative approach” to boost HIV prevention and testing; improving access to treatment, care and support services for women living with HIV; and growing HIV awareness among all women. “We cannot end HIV transmissions without tackling the gender gap and we need to ensure that the specific needs and priorities of women living with or affected by HIV are represented in the next HIV Action Plan,” Tokunbo Soyemi, senior director of global medical affairs at Gilead, said in a statement.“Women deserve equal access to prevention, testing, and care—anything less is unacceptable,” Soyemi continued. “Only through a united, multi-sector approach can we drive meaningful progress to end the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere.” In addition to the policy report, the “Women & HIV Movement” campaign includes a visual component, too. Eight women were photographed by feminist photographer Sane Seven—all in bright red outfits and posing as the “I” in HIV—and share their experiences with HIV in accompanying quotes.Photos shared by Gilead show the campaign imagery on display on billboard trucks driving through the streets of London.The images and a behind-the-scenes video from the photoshoot are also featured on the campaign’s website, which lays out the initiative’s goals and includes links to the policy report and information about HIV prevention, testing and treatment. Visitors can also access Find Your Four, another initiative launched by Gilead that’s aimed at helping people become better allies to the HIV community.

International research team aims to develop better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in diverse populationsMENLO PARK, Calif. and GENEVA, Switzerland , April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC), a global initiative to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and improve brain health, today announced that PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB), a leader in high-quality, highly-accurate long-read sequencing platforms, will be a technology partner to its North African Dementia Registry (NADR) project. Spearheaded by DAC, this effort brings together The Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (I-GHHE) at The American University in Cairo (AUC) and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London (UCL), and aims to develop a high-quality, comprehensive multi-omics dataset to advance the research community’s understanding of the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease and dementias in diverse global populations. This collaboration represents a significant step toward addressing the underrepresentation of North African populations in dementia research. The NADR is the first dementia-focused registry of its kind in North Africa. The DAC-led effort with AUC and UCL will enable biosamples collection, cognitive assessments and digital phenotyping. By generating a comprehensive multi-omics dataset, researchers will have the opportunity to explore new insights into the genetic and environmental factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease and dementias. This initiative will leverage PacBio's advanced sequencing technology to generate genetic insights that can guide future research, prevention, and treatment efforts. Vaibhav Narayan, Executive Vice President at Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, highlighted the global impact of this effort. "This collaboration will bolster our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease in a region characterized by remarkable genetic diversity. Over time, these insights will inform locally relevant prevention and intervention strategies for communities often overlooked in global research efforts." "We are proud to partner with DAC, AUC, and UCL on this important project to advance our understanding of the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease, and hopefully help researchers identify new diagnostic tools and therapeutic solutions," said Neil Ward, Vice President and General Manager of EMEA at PacBio. "Our long-read sequencing technology is uniquely suited to deliver the high-quality genomic data needed to explore the complex genetic landscape of Alzheimer’s disease. This initiative aligns with our commitment to enabling genomic discoveries that improve human health worldwide." Dr Mie Rizig, UCL NADR lead and clinical senior research fellow in the Department of Neuromuscular Diseases at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, emphasized the critical need for robust datasets in dementia research. "Addressing the global challenge of dementia requires diverse, high-quality datasets. With PacBio's technology and workflows, we can accelerate our understanding of the genetic architecture of populations in North Africa and uncover novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets." "With a population exceeding 110 million, Egypt serves as a unique bridge between Africa and the Middle East, offering a rich tapestry of genetic and cultural heritage," said Mohamed Salama, author of AL-SEHA, AUC-NADR lead, and professor at AUC's I-GHHE. "This collaboration not only promises to benefit the Egyptian population but also aims to advance our collective understanding of dementia in the region and beyond." Data generated through this collaboration will be made accessible via the Alzheimer’s Disease Data Initiative (ADDI) platform, which provides controlled access to researchers worldwide to support continued innovation in Alzheimer’s disease research. DAC is bringing together a diverse array of partners to foster collaboration and innovation to enhance our capabilities and drive meaningful outcomes that address the challenges and opportunities in brain health. Together, we are committed to building a future that benefits all stakeholders involved. About the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative The Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (DAC) is a pioneering worldwide initiative to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and improve brain health, seeking to mirror the success of global efforts against infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Covid, and Malaria. DAC is extending global research beyond its current focus on traditional Western European ethnic populations into the highly diversified populations of the Global South, where the vast majority of those with Alzheimer’s live. By introducing lower-cost screening and diagnostic tools as well as new treatment and prevention modalities in primary care and community health settings, DAC is driving implementation of health system solutions that are appropriate for worldwide application. DAC also promotes the vital importance of brain health throughout the lifespan by addressing cardiometabolic and lifestyle factors, especially in early and mid-life. Absent effective action at scale around the world, by 2050, more than 150 million families and half a billion people will be personally impacted by dementia, creating a social, financial, economic, and global security disaster of historic proportions. DAC was launched in Davos in 2021 by the World Economic Forum and the Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease. For more information, please visit: davosalzheimerscollaborative.org. About The American University in Cairo (AUC) and the Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (I-GHHE) Founded in 1919, The American University in Cairo (AUC) is a leading English-language, American-accredited institution of higher education and center of the intellectual, social, and cultural life of the Arab world. It is a vital bridge between East and West, linking Egypt and the region to the world through scholarly research, partnerships with academic and research institutions and study abroad programs. The University offers 39 undergraduate, 52 master’s and two PhD programs rooted in a liberal arts education that encourages students to think critically and find creative solutions to conflicts and challenges facing both the region and the world. An independent, nonprofit, politically non-partisan, non-sectarian and equal opportunity institution, AUC is fully accredited in Egypt and the United States. Espousing a philosophy of implementation sciences, the Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (I-GHHE) at AUC capitalizes on talents and resources across the University, including the Biomedical Sciences, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and Engineering within the School of Sciences and Engineering (SSE), the community insights of the Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the economic and entrepreneurial expertise of the School of Business, and the practical know-how of public policy and administration in the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. With a holistic approach to health and sustainability, the I-GHHE provides an initial focus on curricula and research in support of Environmental Health, Precision Health and Public Health Policy and Management, inclusive of leadership and emergency management. About UCL – London’s Global University UCL is a diverse global community of world-class academics, students, industry links, external partners, and alumni. Our powerful collective of individuals and institutions work together to explore new possibilities.Since 1826, we have championed independent thought by attracting and nurturing the world's best minds. Our community of more than 50,000 students from 150 countries and over 16,000 staff pursues academic excellence, breaks boundaries and makes a positive impact on real world problems. The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024, we are consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the world and are one of only a handful of institutions rated as having the strongest academic reputation and the broadest research impact. We have a progressive and integrated approach to our teaching and research – championing innovation, creativity and cross-disciplinary working. We teach our students how to think, not what to think, and see them as partners, collaborators and contributors. For almost 200 years, we are proud to have opened higher education to students from a wide range of backgrounds and to change the way we create and share knowledge. We were the first in England to welcome women to university education and that courageous attitude and disruptive spirit is still alive today. We are UCL. www.ucl.ac.uk | Read news at www.ucl.ac.uk/news/ | Listen to UCL podcasts on SoundCloud | View images on Flickr | Find out what’s on at UCL Minds About Pacific Biosciences PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) is a premier life science technology company that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced sequencing solutions to help scientists and clinical researchers resolve genetically complex problems. Our products and technologies stem from two highly differentiated core technologies focused on accuracy, quality and completeness which include our HiFi long-read sequencing and our SBB® short-read sequencing technologies. Our products address solutions across a broad set of research applications including human germline sequencing, plant and animal sciences, infectious disease and microbiology, oncology, and other emerging applications. For more information, please visit www.pacb.com and follow @PacBio. PacBio products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the uses, advantages, quality or performance of, the benefits or expected benefits of using, PacBio products or technologies, including in connection with the use of PacBio technology in, or that PacBio technology is uniquely suited for, the NADR project intended to study and accelerate advancements to better understand underlying factors contributing to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; that the NADR results could guide future research, prevention, and treatment efforts or identify new diagnostic tools, biomarkers, therapeutic solutions or potential therapeutic targets; accessibility of data generated during the NADR project through the ADDI platform; and other future events. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they are subject to assumptions, risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from currently anticipated results. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks related to reductions in government funding for research grants or contracts; the impact of U.S. export restrictions and tariffs on the shipment of PacBio products to and sourcing of materials from certain countries; rapidly changing technologies and extensive competition in genomic sequencing; unanticipated increases in costs or expenses; interruptions or delays in the supply of components or materials for, or manufacturing of, PacBio products and products under development; third-party claims alleging infringement of patents and proprietary rights or seeking to invalidate PacBio's patents or proprietary rights; and other risks associated with general macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical instability. Additional factors that could materially affect actual results can be found in PacBio's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including PacBio's most recent reports on Forms 8-K, 10-K, and 10-Q, and include those listed under the caption “Risk Factors.” These forward-looking statements, including PacBio’s preliminary unaudited financial information and PacBio’s financial guidance, are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof; except as required by law, PacBio disclaims any obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available. Contacts (For DAC) Susan Oliver soliver@davosalzheimerscollaborative.orgPhone: 1-703-216-4078 Contacts (For PacBio) Investors and Media: Todd Friedmanir@pacificbiosciences.com Media:ir@pacificbiosciences.com