Gilead and Merck's Promising Partnership: A New Chapter in HIV Treatment

Gilead Sciences has announced promising results from its study on an oral treatment for HIV, involving a combination of islatravir and lenacapavir. The study, conducted in collaboration with Merck & Co, is a phase 2 clinical trial aimed at evaluating the safety and antiviral efficacy of this once-weekly oral regimen in adults with HIV-1 who have achieved virologic suppression through antiretroviral therapy.

The trial is the first in the partnership between Merck and Gilead, established in March 2021, focusing on developing potential long-acting HIV treatments. The companies believe that long-acting therapies could mark a significant breakthrough in the development of HIV medications, building on the traditional foundations of HIV care.

Islatravir, developed by Merck, is an investigational oral nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor (NRTTI), designed for combination therapy in treating individuals with HIV-1 infection. Meanwhile, lenacapavir, developed by Gilead, is a long-acting HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, currently under review in both the U.S. and the EU for use alongside other antiretroviral drugs in patients with multidrug-resistant HIV-1.

Both islatravir and lenacapavir exhibit extended half-lives and have demonstrated activity at low doses in independent clinical studies, supporting their development as long-acting combination therapies, including oral and injectable forms. While daily oral regimens are available to HIV patients, the prospect of less frequent dosing could address preferences related to stigma, adherence, and privacy.

Jared Baeten, MD, VP of HIV Clinical Development at Gilead, stated that partnerships are crucial in making significant advances towards ending the HIV epidemic. This research collaboration is a testament to the ongoing advancements in HIV science, aiming to provide long-acting options that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of individuals living with HIV.

Joan Butterton, MD, VP of Global Clinical Development of Infectious Diseases at Merck Research Laboratories, emphasized that the initiation of this study is essential for further understanding the potential of islatravir and lenacapavir in joint HIV-1 treatment. It signifies Merck and Gilead's commitment to addressing unmet needs among people with HIV and contributing to global efforts to end the epidemic.