Gilead Sciences Inc. announced the submission of a Biologics License Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for bulevirtide for injection (2 mg), a potential first-in-class antiviral medicine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection in adults with compensated liver disease; bulevirtide has been granted Breakthrough Therapy and Orphan Drug designations by the FDA.

Gilead Sciences Inc. bolstered the company’s capabilities in treating liver diseases with a €1.15 billion ($1.4 billion) cash acquisition of Germany-based Myr GmbH, which is focused on developing therapies for the treatment of chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV), the most severe form of viral hepatitis.