CEO John Milligan offered few details about Gilead's deal strategy during an investor conference last week, but analysts think internal pressure for a major deal is beginning to equal the external sentiment, including an analyst who sees Incyte as a likely target, but not a quick fix for Gilead's declining HCV drug sales.

Company no longer has to worry about a US FDA advisory committee review, which the agency cancelled. Launch preparations include hiring 140 sales reps.

How to make the most of the wealth of raw data in pharmaceutical R&D is an increasing challenge for the industry. The digital revolution is already having an impact in areas like clinical trials, and pharma is also starting to embrace new technologies in drug discovery.