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.