Gilead Sciences and Merck announced successful Phase 3 clinical trial results on June 8. The investigational once-weekly oral HIV treatment met its primary goals in the ISLEND-1 and ISLEND-2 studies.
The combination pill contains islatravir and lenacapavir. This regimen proved as effective as daily treatments like Biktarvy at maintaining viral suppression after 48 weeks.
The trials demonstrated a safety profile comparable to existing therapies with no new safety concerns identified. If approved, the drug would become the first single-tablet, once-weekly oral HIV treatment.
The companies plan to submit these findings to global regulatory authorities for approval.