Gilead Wins Appeals Court Ruling Blocking Imported HIV Drug Sales

Gilead Sciences, Inc. has won a federal appeals court ruling that upholds a preliminary injunction blocking the importation and sale of foreign-market Gilead-branded HIV medications in the US. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals found that the foreign versions were materially different from the US-marketed drugs, supporting Gilead's claims of trademark violation and unfair competition. This decision protects Gilead's Biktarvy revenue and sets a favorable precedent for drugmakers against similar import programs, though pricing pressures from employer health plans seeking lower-cost alternatives are expected to persist.