Merck Discloses New Islatravir Data Supporting Safety Profile For PrEP Regime For HIV Infection

Merck & Co Inc MRK has announced new data from Phase 2a trial evaluating islatravir for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV-1 infection in adults at low risk of contracting HIV-1.
After 24 weeks, once-monthly oral islatravir was generally well tolerated versus placebo.
Most adverse events (AEs) were mild, and there were no serious drug-related AEs in people who received islatravir.
The levels of islatravir in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) also remained above the pre-specified efficacy PK threshold for PrEP at both doses studied (60 mg and 120 mg) eight weeks after the last study dose.
These data were shared at the International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science.
Islatravir (MK-8591) is an investigational nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor.
Price Action: MRK shares are up 0.14% at $77.16 during the premarket session on the last check Tuesday.

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