On three occasions since 1972, the U.S. death toll exceeded 40,000 each. The worst known pandemic, which occurred in the 1918, caused 700 million cases of flu and 20 million deaths worldwide. The elderly are most susceptible to complications of influenza, such as exacerbation of existing heart and lung conditions and development of bacterial pneumonia. Influenza outbreaks in the northern hemisphere typically occur between November and March. Annual flu shots are limited by the seasonally variances of influenza strains.
Influenza is a serious economic concern.
Gilead's expertise in each of these areas has also resulted in the discovery of non-nucleotide product candidates that expand the Company's technology platforms. In addition, several of the Company's other product candidates are in ongoing human clinical testing for the potential treatment of viral diseases caused by cytomegalovirus, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus and hepatitis B virus infection.