Leerink Swann Reiterates Gilead Science (GILD) Outperform Rating

Leerink Swann analysts Joshua Schimmer and Steve Y. Yoo reiterated their Outperform rating of Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD).

The Leerink Swann analysts Joshua Schimmer and Steve Y. Yoo hosted a conference call with an HIV specialist who was also an investigator in the Gilead Sciences quad study.

"Between the quad Phase II and the GS 9350 Phase II studies, the consultant viewed the efficacy as excellent, likely to reach non-inferiority in Phase III studies but unlikely to demonstrate superiority relative to existing standard of care."

The analysts see Gilead Sciences HIV franchise as "best-in-class" and see a growth potential of 15% from 2009 to 2012.