Merck reports positive data from HIV-1 treatment study

Merck (NYSE:MRK) reported positive results from late-stage studies on a new oral treatment which combines two drugs, doravirine and islatravir, for adults with HIV-1.

The studies looked at adults whose HIV was under control using another treatment called bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide or standard antiretroviral therapy.

In one of the studies, MK-8591A-052, participants who switched from BIC/FTC/TAF to the new DOR/ISL treatment experienced very little change in their weight and body composition after 48 weeks.

Across both studies, those who transitioned to DOR/ISL from their previous treatments did not show any significant changes in their fasting lipid levels or insulin resistance, which are important indicators of metabolic health.

Overall, the safety of the DOR/ISL treatment in adults with controlled HIV was found to be comparable to that of participants who had never received antiretroviral therapy before.