Merck & Co. announced that its experimental drug combination for treating certain adult HIV-1 infections has met the primary objectives in two late-stage studies. The company has been conducting multiple clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of Islatravir, a long-acting nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor (NRTTI). This drug is being tested as a standalone pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) therapy and in combination with other antiviral treatments for HIV infections.
Preclinical studies indicate that Islatravir inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase through various mechanisms, distinguishing it from currently approved anti-HIV therapies and traditional NRTI treatments. This unique action could offer a new avenue for HIV treatment, potentially improving outcomes for individuals with HIV-1.
