Gilead maximizing Yeztugo sales will likely require HHS action, says Leerink

After Reuters reported that CVS Health (CVS) will not cover Gilead’s (GILD) Yeztugo for HIV PrEP therapy in their commercial and ACA plans, Leerink is positive that the therapy will ultimately be mandated for unrestricted access by Health and Human Services, similar to branded Descovy and Apretude, but is “uncertain on the timing of such action” and contends that maximizing Yeztugo sales will likely require HHS action. Separately, the firm calls itself “fans” of Gilead’s agreement to acquire in vivo CAR-T and -NK company Interius Bio this morning, stating that it believes that it is important for the company’s Kite unit to be “part of the disruption” of ex vivo CAR-T approaches from in vivo one. Leerink maintains an Outperform rating on Gilead shares.