Patients Claim Gilead Intentionally Withheld a Safer Medication to Treat HIV

In 2001, Gilead Sciences released a medication to treat patients who were HIV-positive. The tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) medication prevented the virus from multiplying and allowed a person’s immune system to control the infection. While this was a breakthrough, patients now allege that there was a safer and more effective alternative that was shelved to allow Gilead to maximize profits. Specifically, the TDF medications, such as Truvada, Viread, Atripla, Complera, and Stribild, have been linked to serious side effects, such as osteoporosis and kidney disease.

Plaintiffs allege that Gilead was aware of the serious side effects linked to its TDF drugs like Truvada and developed a safer alternative to treat HIV, known as tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF). As the exclusive owner of the patent on TDF drugs, Gilead had control of the market involving medication used to treat HIV and stood to benefit financially from ensuring TDF was the sole product line available. With no competition, Gilead delayed releasing the safer TAF drug, now known as DESCOVY, for almost a decade to maximize earnings on their patent while knowingly exposing patients to dangerous side effects for years.

Side Effects of TDF Drugs

TDF has been linked to the following kidney and bone injuries:

• Acute kidney injury
• Chronic kidney disease
• Renal failure
• Osteoporosis
• Bone fractures

Why is Gilead Being Sued?

Gilead gambled with the health of people who are HIV-positive and those using the class of drugs for PREP. Gilead ensured TDF was the only option available to patients and, instead of actively improving the lives of its consumers, it exploited them.

In 2018, the first lawsuits were filed against Gilead Sciences, alleging that the company did not inform consumers of potential risks or side effects of their HIV medication, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). The lawsuits also claim that the company intentionally withheld the safer tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) medication from the market.

If you or a loved one has taken TDF-based HIV treatment or for PREP and has experienced bone density loss, kidney disease, or another complication, contact me for a free and confidential consultation. My team understands the complexities that come with pursuing legal action against large pharmaceutical companies like Gilead Sciences, and we work tirelessly to establish a claim requesting full and fair compensation for your losses.