Biogen Idec and Gilead Sciences Join the National Pharmaceutical Council

For Immediate Release
Contact: Andrea Hofelich, [email protected], 202-827-2078

Washington, D.C. (December 9, 2014)—The National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC) today welcomed two leading biopharmaceutical companies—Biogen Idec and Gilead Sciences, Inc.—as its newest members.

“We’re excited to add these two innovative companies to our membership roster and welcome their perspective on our board of directors,” said NPC President Dan Leonard. “Both of these companies recognize the importance of engaging in health care policy research discussions, especially in today’s dynamic health care and delivery environment.”

Biogen Idec discovers, develops and delivers to patients innovative therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, hematologic conditions and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is the world’s oldest independent biotechnology company and today patients worldwide benefit from its leading multiple sclerosis and innovative hemophilia therapies.

David Miller, Senior Vice President, Global Market Access, will be Biogen Idec’s representative on the NPC Board of Directors.

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative therapeutics in areas of unmet medical need. The company’s mission is to advance the care of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases worldwide. Gilead's portfolio of products and pipeline of investigational drugs includes treatments for HIV/AIDS, liver diseases, cancer and inflammation, and serious respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

David Gollaher, Ph.D., Vice President, Policy and Public Health, will serve as Gilead Sciences’ representative on the NPC Board of Directors.

NPC is actively engaged in conducting health care policy research on topics such as the challenges of individual patient treatment effects, the utilization of real-world evidence and comparative effectiveness research, and understanding the role and value of pharmaceuticals within the current and evolving payment and delivery models.

About the National Pharmaceutical Council

The National Pharmaceutical Council is a health policy research organization dedicated to the advancement of good evidence and science, and to fostering an environment in the United States that supports medical innovation. Founded in 1953 and supported by the nation’s major research-based pharmaceutical companies, NPC focuses on research development, information dissemination, and education on the critical issues of evidence, innovation and the value of medicines for patients. For more information, visit www.npcnow.org and follow NPC on Twitter @npcnow.