Back to MK-8527
MK-8527
MK-8527 is an investigational antiretroviral (ARV) drug that is being studied as a potential PrEP product. Below are details on its distinct characteristics and ongoing Phase II clinical trial, as well as resources to learn more.
The Basics
- Given once a month.
- An oral pill.
- Developed by Merck.
- An ARV from a class of drugs first tested by another drug known as islatravir.
- Drugs are classed by how they work in the body. Islatravir studies for prevention were discontinued when a fall in white blood cell counts (sometimes referred to as lymphocyte levels) was detected after the drug was administered. MK-8527 has a different chemical structure than islatravir, and studies so far show no safety risk.
- Currently under investigation for use as prevention in a small Phase II clinical trial.
- Also under investigation as a once-weekly pill for treatment.
The Trial
- Conducted among approximately 350 HIV-negative adults in Israel, South Africa, and the USA.
- Testing safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics.
- Scheduled to run until December 2024.