Merck & Co.’s Isentress Shows Effectiveness Similar To Efavirenz

Merck & Co.’s integrase inhibitor, Isentress (raltegravir), was as effective as efavirenz at maintaining viral load suppression to undetectable levels and improving CD4 counts in previously untreated patients in an ongoing phase II study. Isentress works by inhibiting the insertion of HIV-1 DNA into human DNA by the integrase enzyme, and has demonstrated rapid antiviral activity.

Both medicines were administered in combination with two other anti-HIV medicines – tenofovir and lamivudine.

Repotedly, the use of raltegravir in treatment-naive patients is investigational and the product is not currently licensed in this patient group in Europe.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of EMEA, will issue an opinion soon regarding an expanded marketing authorisation of raltegravir in the EU.

Martin Markowitz, study investigator and clinical director of Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, said: “We are encouraged that these data demonstrate the efficacy and tolerability profile of raltegravir with less effect on lipid levels for up to 144 weeks. It is important for patients at any stage of HIV to have treatment options that are effective and have a demonstrated tolerability profile in order to help them manage their disease.