Benzinga | Dec 7, 2021 06:06AM EST

Merck Stops Enrollment In Two Islatravir Trials For Prevention Of HIV Infection

After the external data monitoring committee's recommendation, Merck & Co Inc (NYSE:MRK) has paused in enrollment for the IMPOWER 22 (MK-8591-022) and IMPOWER 24 (MK-8591-024) Phase 3 studies evaluating islatravir (ISL) for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in people at high risk of HIV-1 infection.

* Merck will conduct further analyses of these and other ongoing studies.

* Participants already enrolled in the trials will continue to receive the study medicine.

* Informed by the committee's recommendations, Merck is implementing additional monitoring measures for study participants, including increasing the frequency of total lymphocyte and CD4+ T-cell assessments.

* Islatravir (MK-8591) is a once-monthly investigational nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor under evaluation for the treatment and prevention of HIV-1.

* Related Link: Gilead, Merck Stop Enrollment In Mid-Stage HIV Combination Therapy Trial.

* Price Action: MRK shares are down 0.50% at $73.05 during the premarket session on the last check Tuesday.