Merck Announces Phase 3 Results for Islatravir Plus Cabotegravir Long-Acting HIV Treatment

Merck today announced results from a Phase 3 trial evaluating a long-acting combination of islatravir and cabotegravir for HIV treatment. The trial demonstrated non-inferiority to daily oral bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide, with 89% of patients achieving viral suppression at 52 weeks compared to 91% for the daily oral regimen. The long-acting combination is administered as monthly subcutaneous injections. These results support the potential of this long-acting regimen as a treatment option for people living with HIV who prefer less frequent dosing. Merck and ViiV Healthcare plan to submit regulatory applications based on these results.