Merck Sharp and Dohme reports positive Isentress data

Merck Sharp and Dohme has reported positive data from a new long-term clinical study of Isentress, its approved treatment for HIV-1 infection among adult patients.

Final results from the STARTMRK trial have demonstrated that the compound is able to deliver efficacy, safety and tolerability for previously untreated adult patients with HIV-1 for up to 240 weeks.

At all pre-specified time points, the regimen containing Isentress had fewer drug-related adverse events versus the comparison group, while generating better viral suppression and a greater immunologic response.

Dr Daria Hazuda, worldwide head of antiviral basic research at Merck Sharp and Dohme and lead scientist for Isentress, said: "After more than 25 years of leadership in HIV research, we remain dedicated to conducting comprehensive research to help address the real-world needs of people living with HIV."

This comes after the firm presented encouraging data from clinical and preclinical Alzheimer's drug trials at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference last week.