Weekly HIV Pill Shows Promise in Global Trial

A new weekly HIV pill has shown promise in a global Phase 3 trial. The pill combines Merck's islatravir and Gilead's lenacapavir, which worked as effectively as standard daily treatment at suppressing the virus.

The trial involved 626 adults across 100 sites in 14 countries and territories. After 48 weeks, almost all participants who took the weekly pill had a viral load of undetectable levels, just like those on daily treatment.

Researchers found that adherence to the weekly treatment was high, with 100% median adherence rate. However, the findings primarily apply to people already doing well on HIV treatment and may not be applicable to others.