James - this is definitely the 10 Billion dollar question ;)
I did happen to read this article and follow Gilead for a while for various reasons. They are a powerhouse and it's refreshing to see a straight shot from the CEO not only referencing development or acquisition targets, but also very clearly stating where they have a gap.
My answer about Bavi is a qualified yes.
If it proves to be a broad player in the Oncology space - delivering depth and breadth - it will absolutely be considered a 'cornerstone molecule'.
Bavi is playing in a highly charged space where the highest pain/suffering/urgency and cost all live in the same place. There are many horrible diseases - but none converge on all the emotional, financial, physical and often futile battle characteristics like cancer.
If it ends up delivering a performance that clearly shifts the game (we're dealing with millions of additional people being helped with its inclusion in a combo and potentially well beyond a few additional months to live) and can be applied in a variety of cancers and in combination with various medicines targeting many pathways - it will absolutely be a cornerstone molecule.
It will become what we call in the industry a 'platform'. Something that can target a variety of opportunities, and be synergistic with complimentary compounds. It will be a critical building block.
This can provide a Gilead, or anyone with close access to the product and its uses, with quite the tool box upon which one can build a variety of solutions.
This does not include any other targets that many on this board bring up as a likely possibility such as viral, etc.
The big dichotomy here (for me, anyway) is the stark extremes between what us believers think this product can do, and the very opposite end of the spectrum where its public respect resides. Don't read this as a doubting message - I keep buying...
That just makes things more interesting and is probably driven by the magnitude of the claim of potential, and the otherwise puny looking and unknown Peregrine carrying its flag. Cornerstones are hard to come by and typically they are identified as early molecules with potential, bought by a giant from a smaller research or pharma firm, and then developed through the brand of the BP as a cornerstone product. It is rare that a cornerstone product would become visible as as such while still in the hands of a very small player. When it does - it garners lots of disbelief, doubt, distrust and generally a 'too good to be true' assessment from most audiences.
Shaping up like somewhat of a David in a land of Goliaths battle.And we're close to the pivotal chapter...
Best,
MH
