"I have the pleasure of sitting down with each new Gilead employee to discuss our company's principles... "With our first New Drug Application filed and several additional products advancing in the clinic, we now have a solid foundation for building a franchise in the treatment of viral infections-- an arena in which modern medicine has yet made only limited inroads. Industry observers have commented that Gilead may have the most extensive antiviral product pipeline among all pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. I agree... "Our board of directors has grown. In January, Jim Denny, Gordon Moore, and George Shultz joined our board. We are fortunate that their depth of character and experience will help guide the Gilead enterprise through our next phase of growth: approaching commercialization and building the business... "In that 'welcome aboard' conversation, we also reflect on the fact that if we at Gilead succeed in our mission, we will benefit many, many people in the world. Especially if, in our efforts against viruses, we are able to accomplish what antibiotics achieved against bacterial infections in an earlier era. It is a mission in which all of our stockholders and employees participate. So, with thanks for your support, it's great to have you on board! MIchael L. Riordan, M.D. Chairman and President February 19, 1996"