• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, July 27, 2020

Foster City, CA-based pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences has consolidated its media agency account with Initiative, according to sources.

The firm spent over $335 million in measured media in the U.S. last year, according to Kantar.

Previously, in a relationship that spanned a decade Publicis Health Media held the largest piece of account. Horizon Media managed a smaller portion of the business.

While Publicis Health no longer handles Gilead media it continues to provide numerous advertising and marketing-related services to the client.

Gilead, which generated $22-plus billion in revenue last year, is known for its HIV-related brands including Emtriva and Complera. It markets many other products including Tamiflu and medicines related to liver diseases, oncology, cardiovascular and other areas.

Representatives for Initiative and Gilead did not respond to queries about the consolidation. Horizon and Publicis Health reps declined comment, referring questions to the client.