Dr. Tomas Cihlar: Biography, Age, Education, Career, and More

Dr. Tomas Cihlar is a distinguished biochemist and virologist whose pioneering work in the field of antiviral drug development has had a profound impact on global health. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has been instrumental in the research and approval of several life-saving therapies for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and emerging viral diseases such as COVID-19. As Senior Vice President of Virology at Gilead Sciences, his leadership continues to shape the future of infectious disease treatment and prevention.

Key Information

Early Life and Academic Foundation

Tomas Cihlar was born in the Czech Republic, where his early fascination with biology and chemistry set the stage for a future in scientific research. He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) in Prague, a prestigious institution known for its advanced biochemical research. His doctoral studies focused on molecular biology and antiviral mechanisms, laying the groundwork for a career dedicated to combating viral diseases.

Joining Gilead Sciences: A Turning Point

In 1994, Dr. Cihlar relocated to the United States to join Gilead Sciences as a postdoctoral researcher. What began as a temporary fellowship evolved into a lifelong mission. His early research at Gilead contributed to the understanding of nucleotide analogs, a class of antiviral agents that would become central to the company’s drug pipeline.

Rising through the scientific and leadership ranks, Dr. Cihlar became known not only for his technical acumen but also for his ability to bridge laboratory science with real-world therapeutic solutions. His innovative approach has played a crucial role in Gilead’s emergence as a global leader in antiviral therapy.

Breakthroughs in HIV and Hepatitis B

Over the years, Dr. Cihlar has led and contributed to the development of numerous breakthrough medications for HIV, including tenofovir-based therapies and other long-acting antiretrovirals. These medications have redefined HIV care by enabling once-daily or even biannual treatments, vastly improving patient adherence and outcomes.

He has also been at the forefront of research into curing chronic hepatitis B, one of the world’s most prevalent and deadly viral infections. His work aims not only to suppress the virus but to eliminate it, a goal once considered out of reach.

COVID-19 and the Development of Remdesivir

One of Dr. Cihlar’s most high-profile contributions came during the global COVID-19 pandemic. As part of Gilead’s response team, he was instrumental in the development and emergency deployment of remdesivir, an antiviral drug that became the first FDA-approved treatment for COVID-19. Remdesivir was administered worldwide during the early phases of the pandemic and remains part of the therapeutic arsenal against SARS-CoV-2.

Advancing Preventive Therapies: Lenacapavir

In recent years, Dr. Cihlar has helped lead efforts to move from treatment to prevention. The most notable example is lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable therapy that provides six months of HIV protection with a single dose. Developed in collaboration with other scientists like Wesley Sundquist, lenacapavir was hailed as a game-changer and earned both researchers a spot on TIME Magazine’s 2025 TIME100 list of the most influential people in the world.

Board Memberships and Advisory Roles

Beyond his responsibilities at Gilead, Dr. Cihlar serves on the boards of several influential scientific and biotech organizations. He is a board member of the Global Virus Network, which supports collaborative research on viral threats, and the Intrepid Alliance, a group focused on emerging health technologies. In 2023, he was also appointed to the Board of Directors of Assembly Biosciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapies for viral diseases.

Legacy and Future Outlook

Dr. Tomas Cihlar’s career is a testament to the power of scientific research to change lives. His work has contributed to a new era of antiviral treatment that prioritizes not just disease management but disease eradication and prevention.

As he continues to lead innovation in the virology space, his mission remains clear: to use science to serve humanity, ensuring that the next generation has the tools to overcome even the most complex viral threats.

Interesting Facts About Dr. Tomáš Cihlář

1. From Czechoslovakia to Global Science Leader
   Born in Plzeň (then Czechoslovakia), Dr. Cihlář made a bold leap from post-communist Europe to the heart of Silicon Valley’s biotech revolution, ultimately becoming a leading figure in American pharmaceutical innovation.

2. A Pioneer in Multiple Pandemics
   He has worked on antiviral responses to multiple global health crises—including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19—making him one of the few scientists whose research has directly impacted multiple pandemics.

3. Driving Force Behind Remdesivir
   Remdesivir, originally developed for Ebola, gained global attention as the first FDA-approved antiviral for COVID-19, and Dr. Cihlář played a central role in its creation and deployment.

4. Named to TIME100 in 2025
   Alongside HIV researcher Wesley Sundquist, Dr. Cihlář was featured in TIME magazine’s prestigious TIME100 Most Influential People list in 2025 for their work on lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug.

5. Passionate About Prevention, Not Just Treatment
   Unlike many pharmaceutical leaders focused only on cures, Dr. Cihlář is a strong advocate of preventive medicine, especially in the form of long-acting antivirals that can reduce infection risk in high-risk populations.

6. Honored by His Homeland
   In 2020, the Czech Republic awarded him the Silver Medal of Merit for his contributions to science and public health, making him a national figure of pride.

7. Science Runs in the Family
   Dr. Cihlář’s father was a biochemist as well, and his early fascination with lab experiments and molecular biology started in childhood—often inspired by his father’s work.

8. A Mentor to the Next Generation
   He actively mentors young scientists in virology and drug development, both within Gilead and through academic partnerships.

9. Cross-Disciplinary Expert
   His research spans not just virology but also pharmacokinetics, drug resistance, molecular biology, and immune system dynamics, making him one of the most versatile scientists in his field.

10. Quiet Yet Powerful Influence
    Despite his major contributions, Dr. Cihlář keeps a low public profile. He prefers to let the science speak for itself—yet his influence can be seen in millions of lives improved worldwide through the therapies he helped create.

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