Gilead, Merck Report Weekly HIV Trial Results

Gilead Sciences and Merck reported positive Phase 3 results for their once-weekly oral HIV regimen combining islatravir and lenacapavir, showing non-inferiority to existing daily therapies and maintaining viral suppression through 48 weeks in virologically suppressed patients. The ISLEND-1 and ISLEND-2 trials suggest this two-drug regimen could become the first complete weekly HIV treatment, with a safety profile generally comparable to current options and plans for regulatory submissions.