Merck Sharp and Dohme launches once-daily Isentress for HIV in UK

Merck Sharp and Dohme has announced the UK launch of its drug Isentress as a once-daily treatment for HIV.

The therapy was approved by the European Commission for the treatment of patients who are treatment-naive or whose virus has been suppressed by a twice-daily 400 mg dose of Isentress.

This new regimen is designed to be taken as two 600 mg pills in combination with other antiretrovirals to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and paediatric patients, with clinical studies having demonstrated its effectiveness in this indication.

Data from the phase III ONCEMRK trial, showed that 89 percent of those on the once-daily dose achieved viral suppression of HIV-1 RNA, compared to 88 percent of patients receiving Isentress 400mg twice a day.

Louise Houson, managing director at Merck Sharp and Dohme UK, said: "The European Commission's marketing authorisation of once-daily raltegravir 600 mg exemplifies MSD’s commitment to innovate and invent to make a real-life difference.

Isentress has been available in the UK since 2008 and remains one of Merck Sharp and Dohme's most important therapies.

With over 20 years of experience within the pharmaceutical market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current pharmaceutical roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.