Cork Pride Hypocrisy - Funded by amoral Pharma giant

Olsky

Cork Pride has defended it's sponsorship deal with Pharma company Gilead and says that it has no issue with taking money from and giving publicity from a company that has sought to block block affordable access to anti HIV drugs for gay men.

Despite making a profit already of €14 billion on the drug Gilead took legal action seeking an injunction to block sale of cheaper generics of the drug in Ireland. They charge €400 a month.

Cork Pride. Greed and hypocrisy at it's finest.

Olsky

Biopharmaceutical giant Gilead has been unsuccessful in a European court in a row that could ultimately lead to affordable access to a drug used in the prevention and treatment of HIV.

The case involving the US company with a $100 billion (€86bn) market value relates to its blockbuster HIV drug Truvada. The drug came off patent in July last year, but its Irish exclusivity was extended until 2020 by a supplementary protection certificate.

Generic giants Mylan and Teva sell a version of Truvada on the Irish market, with Mylan’s product coming in 85 per cent less expensive.

In 2017 Gilead sought an injunction against the generics manufacturers to prevent them from selling their cheaper drug which is used to treat patients with HIV and also as a treatment immediately after possible exposure to HIV to prevent contraction.

Gilead’s injunctive action was unsuccessful in the High Court,

While negative for Gilead, considering it has generated around $14 billion globally in recent years from Truvada, Aids campaigners welcomed the judgment which will, until the issue is resolved in the Irish courts later this year, allow unfettered access to the generic alternative.

Adam Shanley, a HIV prevention activist, said the decision was a positive one, setting a precedent that “Gilead have had their day in the sun”.

“We’re in the middle of a HIV crisis in Ireland, ” he added, noting that it was “nearly solely caused by a lack of access” to drugs.

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/health-pharma/european-court-decision-may-lead-to-more-affordable-access-to-hiv-drug-1.3576238?mode=amp

NiceFella

Did not know that. I suppose everyone has price these days.

Olsky

Protestors took to the 21st International AIDS Conference in South Africa with chants of “Gilead kills” and “shame shame,”


In Los Angeles the AHF launched a “Gilead Greed Kills!” campaign last month and staged a protest during Gilead’s presentation at the Goldman Sachs Healthcare Conference, held at a Los Angeles-area resort. That effort involved a car caravan--complete with a hearse; a double-decker bus; and a small plane towing a “Gilead Greed Kills!” banner that AHF says “flew back and forth over the resort for several hours.”

https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/gilead-greed-protests-continue-at-aids-conference-wake-tax-cutting-report

Meanwhile back in Cork, the organisers insisted that criticism of Cork Prides links with Gilead were "counterproductive and negative"
People should instead be focusing on the positive things Cork Pride does with the Gilead money.

Killian McDonald Head of commercial relations for Gilead says that the link with Cork Pride signifies the relationship between the LGBT community and Gilead in Ireland

It's seems that for the Cork LGBT community money is more important than integrity or principle

Olsky

Cork Green Party has issued a statement on the matter.

“Cork Pride’s acceptance of sponsorship from Gilead - at this time is an endorsement of their conduct. It says it’s OK, or just business as usual.”

Gilead’s business practices related to PrEP is something that should be protested, not endorsed or accepted. If Cork Pride genuinely represents the LGBT community in Cork, it should never accept sponsorship from them or any company whose conduct is contrary to the health, interests or ethics of the community.”

Roger Hassenforder

250 quid to enter the parade as well.

Greens opting not to participate as a party.
Principled stance, fair play