Merck Sees $5 Billion Growth Opportunity with Weekly HIV Regimen and Monthly PrEP Candidate

At an investor event following the International AIDS Conference, Merck outlined its HIV treatment and prevention strategy. The company highlighted Phase III results for a once-weekly oral HIV regimen, which demonstrated non-inferior efficacy compared to daily bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide.

The weekly two-drug regimen achieved viral suppression rates above 90% at 48 weeks and was generally well tolerated. Merck plans to submit the regimen to global regulatory authorities, with Gilead leading U.S. commercialization and Merck handling international sales.

Merck also discussed its monthly oral PrEP candidate, alimatravir, which is expected to provide protective drug levels within one hour without a loading dose. The company sees a significant growth opportunity in the HIV market, estimating it will reach $5 billion by the mid-2030s across its marketed and investigational portfolio.