This is a randomized, active-controlled, double-blind clinical study designed to evaluate the antiretroviral activity, safety, and tolerability of doravirine/islatravir (DOR/ISL \[MK-8591A\]) in treatment-naïve participants with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. It is hypothesized that DOR/ISL is non-inferior to bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) as assessed by the percentage of participants with HIV-1 ribonucleic acid (RNA) \<50 copies/mL at Week 48.
Phase 3 trials are pivotal studies with large patient populations (hundreds to thousands) designed to prove efficacy and safety for FDA submission. A successful Phase 3 readout is typically the last major hurdle before a New Drug Application (NDA) or BLA filing.
Enrollment is complete. The trial is in its follow-up or data collection phase — a readout may occur on or near the primary completion date.
Merck & Co (MRK) is the sponsoring company for this trial. BiotechSign currently grades this company F (35/100) based on composite catalyst signals across its full pipeline. This trial is one data point in that overall catalyst picture.