Benzinga | Nov 19, 2021 07:43AM EST

Merck Pauses Development Of MK-8507 In HIV Infection

* Merck & Co Inc (NYSE:MRK) announced an update regarding the Phase 2 IMAGINE-DR trial (MK-8507-13), evaluating the combination of MK-8507 and islatravir (ISL) as a once-weekly oral treatment for HIV-1 infection.

* Decreases in total lymphocyte and CD4+ T-cell counts were observed in study participants randomized to receive ISL+MK-8507.

* The external Data Monitoring Committee (eDMC) review determined that this effect was related to treatment with the combination of ISL+MK-8507.

* The most significant decreases were seen in the arms of the study receiving the highest doses of MK-8507 (200 mg and 400 mg).

* At the recommendation of the eDMC, Merck is stopping dosing in the trial, with continued monitoring of study participants.

* The company has notified investigators and paused the development of MK-8507.

* Price Action: MRK shares are down 1.26% at $82 during the premarket session on the last check Friday.