Gilead Delivers 1,200 Vials of Remdesivir to Ethiopia Amid First Marburg Virus Outbreak
Foster City, Calif. – December 3, 2025 – Pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences has donated 1,200 vials of its antiviral therapy, remdesivir, to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health to combat the nation’s first recorded outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD). This contribution underscores Gilead’s dedication to global health security and its commitment to rapid response during public health emergencies.
“At Gilead, we believe access to life-saving medicines should not be limited by geography or circumstance,” stated Anu Osinusi, Vice President of Clinical Research for Hepatitis, Respiratory and Emerging Viruses at Gilead Sciences. “Our donation of remdesivir reflects our responsibility to act quickly and decisively when global health emergencies arise.”
Understanding Marburg Virus Disease
Marburg Virus Disease is a highly lethal hemorrhagic fever, characterized by severe illness and a high mortality rate. The disease requires immediate and intensive intervention to prevent widespread transmission. Gilead is collaborating closely with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health to facilitate the emergency use of remdesivir, aiming to bolster the outbreak response and provide treatment to affected communities.
Remdesivir is being deployed for the treatment of both confirmed and suspected MVD cases in Ethiopia, following emergency use authorization from the Ethiopian Food & Drug Authority (EFDA). It is crucial to note that remdesivir currently lacks formal approval for the treatment of Marburg Virus Disease, and its safety and efficacy in this context remain unestablished. The decision to donate is based on promising preclinical data related to filoviruses – a family of viruses that includes Marburg – and extensive clinical safety data accumulated from remdesivir’s use in treating COVID-19.
Remdesivir’s Established Role and Ongoing Research
Marketed as Veklury® (remdesivir) 100 mg for injection, the drug is currently approved for the treatment of COVID-19 in approximately 50 countries. To date, over 14.5 million COVID-19 patients globally have received remdesivir, with more than 8 million benefiting from the drug in low- and middle-income countries through Gilead’s voluntary licensing program.
This latest donation builds upon Gilead’s decade-long commitment to addressing infectious diseases worldwide. The company actively partners with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and global health organizations to enhance preparedness and response capabilities. Over the past ten years, remdesivir has been utilized for emergency and compassionate use during filovirus outbreaks across Sub-Saharan Africa, including recent MVD outbreaks in Rwanda and Tanzania.
Veklury: Important Safety and Dosage Information
While remdesivir shows promise in emergency situations, it’s important to understand its established use and potential risks. Veklury is indicated for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients. Treatment should be discontinued if patients experience significant elevations in liver enzymes accompanied by symptoms of liver inflammation.
Coadministration of Veklury with chloroquine phosphate or hydroxychloroquine sulfate is not recommended due to potential antagonistic effects on the drug’s antiviral activity. Common adverse reactions observed during treatment with Veklury include nausea, increased ALT (alanine aminotransferase), and increased AST (aspartate aminotransferase).
Dosage guidelines for Veklury vary depending on the patient’s condition:
- Hospitalized Patients: Treatment should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis. Those on mechanical ventilation or ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) should receive treatment for 10 days, while those not requiring such support should receive a 5-day course, potentially extended to 10 days if needed.
- Non-Hospitalized Patients: Treatment should be initiated promptly, within 7 days of symptom onset. High-risk patients should receive a 3-day course.
No dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with renal impairment, including those undergoing dialysis. Veklury should be administered in a healthcare setting equipped to manage severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Regarding pregnancy and lactation, a pregnancy registry has been established for Veklury. Clinical trial data suggest no drug-associated risk of major birth defects or adverse outcomes during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, but data regarding first-trimester exposure are insufficient. Veklury can pass into breast milk, and healthcare providers should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against potential risks to the infant.
For comprehensive information, the U.S. full Prescribing Information for Veklury is available at www.gilead.com.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. remains at the forefront of biopharmaceutical innovation, dedicated to developing and delivering breakthroughs in medicine for over three decades. The company operates in more than 35 countries, striving to create a healthier world by addressing life-threatening diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer, and inflammation.
Forward-Looking Statements
This statement contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties, including Gilead’s ability to manage remdesivir supply and distribution, the progress and outcomes of clinical trials, and other factors detailed in Gilead’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors could materially impact actual results.
For more information about Gilead, please visit the company’s website at www.gilead.com and follow Gilead on X/Twitter (@Gilead Sciences) and LinkedIn (@Gilead-Sciences).
