What is the new HIV treatment tested by Gilead and Merck?

It is a once-weekly oral regimen combining islatravir and lenacapavir, which showed non-inferior efficacy versus daily standard of care.

Why did Gilead and Merck stop the lung cancer trial?

Because the combination of Trodelvy and KEYTRUDA failed to show a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival.

What trial phase were the announced studies?

Both trials were Phase 3 studies.

Gilead and Merck Report Mixed Trial Results: HIV Win, Oncology Halt

Gilead Sciences (GILD) and Merck (MRK) reported mixed Phase 3 trial outcomes: a weekly oral HIV regimen (islatravir + lenacapavir) met its primary endpoint, while a combination of Trodelvy and KEYTRUDA for advanced lung cancer was halted for failing to improve progression-free survival.

Gilead Sciences (GILD) and Merck (MRK) announced mixed results from Phase 3 clinical trials. On the positive side, their once-weekly oral HIV regimen combining islatravir and lenacapavir met its primary endpoint, demonstrating non-inferior efficacy compared to daily standard of care. Conversely, the companies stopped a Phase 3 study evaluating Trodelvy in combination with KEYTRUDA for advanced non-small cell lung cancer after the treatment failed to show a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival.

Details

Successful HIV Trial

The once-weekly oral regimen (islatravir + lenacapavir) showed statistically non-inferior efficacy to daily standard of care, potentially offering a new treatment option for HIV patients.

Oncology Trial Halted

Gilead and Merck discontinued a Phase 3 trial of Trodelvy plus KEYTRUDA in advanced non-small cell lung cancer after the combination did not achieve a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival.

Context

These mixed results come as Gilead seeks to diversify its revenue beyond traditional HIV treatments, while Merck aims to strengthen its oncology pipeline.

What This Means for Investors

The positive HIV data reinforces Gilead's strong position in HIV, but the oncology setback highlights risks in its pipeline diversification. Investors will monitor regulatory and commercial developments for the new weekly HIV regimen.