Merck Sharpe and Dohme reports positive data for HIV drug Isentress

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has presented positive new clinical data that further supports the safety and efficacy profile of its HIV drug Isentress.

The drug has been trialled in a phase III study called REALMRK, in which it was utilised as part of a combination therapy for treatment-naive adult HIV-1 patients, as well as those who had proven unresponsive to antiretroviral treatment.

It was found that Isentress was able to deliver effective performance and high tolerability across a diverse range of patients, regardless of treatment history, gender or race.

This was described as an important discovery for black and female patients, who are often disproportionately affected by the spread of HIV.

Dr Kathleen Squires, director of the division of infectious disease and environmental medicine at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, said: "Results from the REALMRK study demonstrate the benefits of Isentress … in a diverse patient population that reflects the faces of many people living with HIV-1 today."

In July, the company announced that it will be collaborating with a pair of US universities on a joint research effort into new means of treating the disease.