Gilead Sciences Research Centre at IOCB Prague renewed
01. 02. 2023
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) and Gilead Sciences announced today that the Gilead Sciences Research Centre (GSRC) at IOCB Prague has been extended to address areas of high unmet medical need. Gilead will provide financial support and collaborate on several projects at IOCB across virology, inflammation, and oncology.
The GSRC partnership program arises from a unique collaboration between IOCB Prague and Gilead Sciences, Inc. dating back to the 1990s, when Gilead licensed several nucleotide analogue compounds discovered by Antonín Holý of IOCB Prague. As a result, three of these compounds have been successfully developed into multiple treatments with the aim of improving the lives for millions of people around the globe living with HIV and hepatitis B (HBV).
“With Gilead Sciences, we share not only a successful past that helped revolutionize the treatment of HIV and chronic hepatitis B but also, as I believe, a future that will prove no less interesting,” said Prof. Jan Konvalinka, director of IOCB Prague. “Separate to the licensing fees for the HIV and HBV drugs, for 15 years now, Gilead has supported selected projects of our researchers at GSRC focusing on development of novel therapies. I’m very pleased that it will continue to do so,” added Konvalinka.
“At Gilead we are focused on identifying and developing innovative medicines that help to address the unmet needs and aim to improve the lives of people around the world, which is why we are committed to continuing our partnership with IOCB,” said Tomas Cihlar, Senior Vice President Research, Virology, Gilead Sciences. “We are working towards the goals of ending the HIV epidemic, eliminating viral hepatitis, and advancing antiviral pandemic preparedness, and strong research partnerships such as the GSRC at IOCB are key to helping achieve these goals.”
The Gilead Sciences Research Centre at IOCB Prague was first established in 2006, with the partnership renewed in 2011 and 2016. Annually, Gilead donated more than USD 1 million to IOCB Prague to support innovative research across areas of unmet need.
About IOCB Prague
The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences / IOCB Prague is a leading internationally recognized scientific institution whose primary mission is the pursuit of basic research in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and materials chemistry, chemistry of natural substances, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. An integral part of the IOCB Prague’s mission is the implementation of the results of basic research in practice. Emphasis on interdisciplinary research gives rise to a wide range of applications in medicine, pharmacy, and other fields.
About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.
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The Czech Academy of Sciences (the CAS)
The mission of the CAS
The primary mission of the CAS is to conduct research in a broad spectrum of natural, technical and social sciences as well as humanities. This research aims to advance progress of scientific knowledge at the international level, considering, however, the specific needs of the Czech society and the national culture.
President of the CAS
Prof. Eva Zažímalová has started her second term of office in May 2021. She is a respected scientist, and a Professor of Plant Anatomy and Physiology.
She is also a part of GCSA of the EU.