...Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) today acclaim[s] the decision of Gilead Sciences to become the first pharmaceutical company to join the Medicines Patent Pool. By making licenses available for vital HIV and Hepatitis B drugs...Gilead shows uncommon leadership and sets an example for the entire industry...The Medicines Patent Pool was established in 2010 with the support of UNITAID to improve access to medicines for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria -- diseases that disproportionately impact the world’s poorest countries...ICCR Program Director for Human Rights David Schilling [said], “When companies recognize access to affordable life-saving medicines as a basic human right they also acknowledge their responsibility to make whatever adjustments are necessary to their business models to protect this right. Joining the Medicines Patent Pool is a crucial step in that direction.” [Link last checked on 12 Jul 2011]