Gilead Announces Topline Data From Phase 3 STELLAR-4 Study of Selonsertib in Compensated Cirrhosis (F4) Due to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced that STELLAR-4, a
Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating
the safety and efficacy of selonsertib, an investigational, once-daily,
oral inhibitor of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), in
patients with compensated cirrhosis (F4) due to nonalcoholic
steatohepatitis (NASH), did not meet the pre-specified week 48 primary
endpoint of a ≥ 1-stage histologic improvement in fibrosis without
worsening of NASH.

In the study of 877 enrolled patients who received study drug, 14.4
percent of patients treated with selonsertib 18 mg (p=0.56 vs. placebo)
and 12.5 percent of patients treated with selonsertib 6 mg (p=1.00)
achieved a ≥ 1-stage improvement in fibrosis according to the NASH
Clinical Research Network (CRN) classification without worsening of NASH
after 48 weeks of treatment, compared with 12.8 percent of patients who
received placebo. Selonsertib was generally well-tolerated and safety
results were consistent with prior studies.

“While we are disappointed that the STELLAR-4 study did not achieve its
primary endpoint, we remain committed to advancing therapies for
patients with advanced fibrosis due to NASH, where there is a
significant unmet need for effective and well-tolerated treatments.
Gilead has a long-term commitment and proven track record of addressing
significant challenges in the field of liver diseases. Data from this
large study of patients with compensated cirrhosis due to NASH,
including the extensive set of biomarkers collected, will further
advance our understanding of the disease and inform our broader NASH
development programs,” said John McHutchison, AO, MD, Chief Scientific
Officer, Head of Research and Development, Gilead. “We are grateful to
the patients and investigators who participated in the STELLAR-4 study,
and we now await the upcoming results from the Phase 3 STELLAR-3 trial
of selonsertib in patients with bridging fibrosis (F3) due to NASH and
the Phase 2 ATLAS combination trial of selonsertib, cilofexor (GS-9674)
and firsocostat (GS-0976) in patients with advanced fibrosis due to NASH
later this year.”

Further in-depth analysis of the findings is ongoing and the data will
be submitted to an upcoming scientific conference. Gilead will work with
the Data Monitoring Committee and investigators to conclude the
STELLAR-4 study in a manner consistent with the best interests of each
patient.

Selonsertib, cilofexor and firsocostat, alone or in combination, are
investigational compounds and are not approved by the U.S. Food & Drug
Administration (FDA) or any other regulatory authority. Safety and
efficacy have not been established for these agents.

About Selonsertib and the STELLAR-4 Study

Selonsertib is an investigational small molecule inhibitor of ASK1, a
protein that promotes inflammation, apoptosis (cell death) and fibrosis
in settings of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can be increased in
many pathological conditions including liver diseases such as NASH.

The STELLAR-4 study is a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled study evaluating the safety and efficacy of
selonsertib in patients with compensated cirrhosis (F4) due to NASH.
Eligible adults ages 18 to 70 years were randomized and received
selonsertib 18 mg (n=354), selonsertib 6 mg (n=351) or placebo (n=172)
for up to 240 weeks. Either selonsertib or placebo is being administered
orally once daily. The primary endpoints of the study are a composite of
the proportion of patients who achieve a ≥ 1-stage improvement in
fibrosis according to the NASH CRN classification without worsening of
NASH at week 48 and event-free survival at week 240 as assessed by time
to the first clinical event. Further information about the clinical
study can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About Gilead’s Clinical Programs in NASH

NASH is a chronic and progressive liver disease characterized by fat
accumulation and inflammation in the liver, which can lead to scarring,
or fibrosis, that impairs liver function. Individuals with advanced
fibrosis, including bridging fibrosis (F3) or compensated cirrhosis
(F4), are at a significantly higher risk of liver-related mortality and
all-cause mortality.

Gilead is advancing multiple novel investigational compounds for the
treatment of advanced fibrosis due to NASH, evaluating single-agent and
combination therapy approaches against the core pathways associated with
NASH – hepatocyte lipotoxicity, inflammation and fibrosis.
Investigational compounds in development include the ASK1 inhibitor
selonsertib, the selective, non-steroidal FXR agonist cilofexor
(GS-9674) and the ACC inhibitor firsocostat (GS-0976). The STELLAR-3
Phase 3 trial evaluating selonsertib among NASH patients with bridging
fibrosis (F3) is ongoing. Cilofexor and firsocostat are currently in
Phase 2 studies in NASH, including the ATLAS Phase 2 trial evaluating
combinations of selonsertib, cilofexor and firsocostat in advanced
fibrosis (F3 and F4) due to NASH.

About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that
discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of
unmet medical need. The company strives to transform and simplify care
for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world. Gilead has
operations in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters
in Foster City, California. For more information on Gilead Sciences,
please visit the company’s website at www.gilead.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are
subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including Gilead’s
ability to complete its clinical trial programs evaluating single-agent
and combination therapy approaches, including selonsertib, cilofexor
and/or firsocostat, in patients with NASH in the currently anticipated
timelines or at all. In addition, there is the possibility of
unfavorable results from further clinical trials involving these
compounds. Further, it is possible that Gilead may make a strategic
decision to discontinue development of selonsertib, cilofexor and/or
firsocostat if, for example, Gilead believes commercialization will be
difficult relative to other opportunities in its pipeline. As a result,
the compounds may never be successfully commercialized. These risks,
uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ
materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. The
reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.

These and other risks are described in detail in Gilead’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, as filed
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking
statements are based on information currently available to Gilead, and
Gilead assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking
statements.

For more information on Gilead Sciences, please visit the company’s
website at www.gilead.com,
follow Gilead on Twitter (@GileadSciences) or call Gilead Public Affairs
at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or 1-650-574-3000.

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