Merck and Gilead Sciences announced positive topline results from two Phase 3 trials, ISLEND-1 and ISLEND-2. The studies evaluated a once-weekly oral combination of Merck’s islatravir and Gilead’s lenacapavir. The trial involved adults with virologically suppressed HIV.
The single-tablet regimen met its primary endpoint at 48 weeks. Data showed the treatment is non-inferior to Gilead’s daily standard-of-care, Biktarvy.
Safety profiles remained comparable to existing treatments with no new concerns identified. If approved, the pill would become the first long-acting oral HIV treatment taken once per week. The companies plan to submit these data to global regulatory authorities.