Company: Gilead Sciences
Title: Chief Commercial Officer
Industry: Pharmaceuticals
Standout achievement in 2025: Drove the global commercial strategy for a first-of-its kind, twice-yearly HIV prevention medicine and expanded patient access across key therapeutic areas.
In 2025, Mercier led the rapid launch and access strategies for Yeztugo (lenacapavir), the world's first approved twice-yearly HIV prevention injectable. Its introduction marked the first time an HIV product was approved in the U.S., EU, and countries in sub-Saharan Africa in the same year. She struck partnerships with the Global Fund and PEPFAR to supply the therapy at no profit to Gilead for up to two million people over three years until generic alternatives become available.
Late last year, Gilead delivered the first doses to Eswatini and Zambia, reaching sub-Saharan Africa, which is home to two-thirds of all people living with HIV. Under her leadership, Gilead has signed royalty-free licensing agreements with six manufacturers to provide lenacapavir, subject to approvals, to 120 low- and lower-middle-income countries where HIV is prevalent.
