There are just two atomic tweaks that differentiate islatravir from MK-8527, but Merck & Co. scientists had to make hundreds of molecules to find the best one for their HIV PrEP candidate. My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social:
cen.acs.org/pharmaceutic...
cen.acs.org/pharmaceutic...
Merck & Co. reveals monthly HIV-PrEP pill candidate
MK-8527, currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, could give people a new option
cen.acs.org
September 11, 2025 at 5:34 PM
There are just two atomic tweaks that differentiate islatravir from MK-8527, but Merck & Co. scientists had to make hundreds of molecules to find the best one for their HIV PrEP candidate. My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social:
cen.acs.org/pharmaceutic...
cen.acs.org/pharmaceutic...
New #antiretroviral alert! A new study reveals a novel long-acting deoxyadenosine analog, MK-8527, that displays potent antiretroviral activity and favorable preclinical pharmacokinetic and off-target profiles in non-human primate models of #HIV infection.🧪
plos.io/45UfwV4
plos.io/45UfwV4
MK-8527 is a novel inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase translocation with potential for extended-duration dosing
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitors (NRTTIs) are antiretroviral agents that block HIV replication. This study identifies a novel long-acting deoxyadenosine analog, MK-8527, that ...
plos.io
August 27, 2025 at 1:08 PM
New #antiretroviral alert! A new study reveals a novel long-acting deoxyadenosine analog, MK-8527, that displays potent antiretroviral activity and favorable preclinical pharmacokinetic and off-target profiles in non-human primate models of #HIV infection.🧪
plos.io/45UfwV4
plos.io/45UfwV4
AIDS: The estimated cost of MK-8527 produced at scale for once-monthly oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in low- and middle-income countries
could be made at very low cost
Samuel Cross et al
bit.ly/4clwBvx
could be made at very low cost
Samuel Cross et al
bit.ly/4clwBvx
April 2, 2026 at 12:55 PM
AIDS: The estimated cost of MK-8527 produced at scale for once-monthly oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in low- and middle-income countries
could be made at very low cost
Samuel Cross et al
bit.ly/4clwBvx
could be made at very low cost
Samuel Cross et al
bit.ly/4clwBvx
Scientists at Merck & Co. have unveiled the structure of the company’s latest candidate for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The compound is designed to be taken as a pill once a month to prevent HIV infection. cen.acs.org/pharmaceutic... #chemsky 🧪
Merck & Co. reveals monthly HIV-PrEP pill candidate
MK-8527, currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, could give people a new option
cen.acs.org
September 13, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Scientists at Merck & Co. have unveiled the structure of the company’s latest candidate for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The compound is designed to be taken as a pill once a month to prevent HIV infection. cen.acs.org/pharmaceutic... #chemsky 🧪
MK-8527 is a novel inhibitor of #HIV reverse transcriptase translocation with potential for extended-duration dosing journals.plos.org/plosbiology/... (open access) @plosbiology.org
MK-8527 is a novel inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase translocation with potential for extended-duration dosing
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitors (NRTTIs) are antiretroviral agents that block HIV replication. This study identifies a novel long-acting deoxyadenosine analog, MK-8527, that ...
journals.plos.org
September 3, 2025 at 2:19 PM
MK-8527 is a novel inhibitor of #HIV reverse transcriptase translocation with potential for extended-duration dosing journals.plos.org/plosbiology/... (open access) @plosbiology.org
New #antiretroviral alert! A new study reveals a novel long-acting deoxyadenosine analog, MK-8527, that displays potent antiretroviral activity and favorable preclinical pharmacokinetic and off-target profiles in non-human primate models of #HIV infection.🧪
plos.io/45UfwV4
plos.io/45UfwV4
MK-8527 is a novel inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase translocation with potential for extended-duration dosing
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitors (NRTTIs) are antiretroviral agents that block HIV replication. This study identifies a novel long-acting deoxyadenosine analog, MK-8527, that ...
plos.io
August 27, 2025 at 9:58 AM
New #antiretroviral alert! A new study reveals a novel long-acting deoxyadenosine analog, MK-8527, that displays potent antiretroviral activity and favorable preclinical pharmacokinetic and off-target profiles in non-human primate models of #HIV infection.🧪
plos.io/45UfwV4
plos.io/45UfwV4
Une Prep en un seul comprimé par mois ? Dix ans après l’arrivée de la Prep en France, le Pr Jean-Michel Molina décrypte pour Remaides les enjeux du MK-8527 (alimatravir), une nouvelle stratégie qui pourrait changer la prévention du VIH : www.aides.org/actualite/la...
L’Actu vue par Remaides : « MK-8527 : une Prep en un seul comprimé par mois à l’essai. Interview du Pr Jean-Michel Molina »
Dans un entretien accordé à Remaides, le Pr Jean-Michel Molina, infectiologue, professeur de médecine et chef du service de maladies infectieuses de l’Hôpital Saint-Louis et de l’hôpital Lariboisière ...
www.aides.org
May 12, 2026 at 5:47 AM
Une Prep en un seul comprimé par mois ? Dix ans après l’arrivée de la Prep en France, le Pr Jean-Michel Molina décrypte pour Remaides les enjeux du MK-8527 (alimatravir), une nouvelle stratégie qui pourrait changer la prévention du VIH : www.aides.org/actualite/la...
'This work describes the discovery & mechanistic investigation of a novel NRTTI, MK-8527, developed through a comprehensive lead optimization campaign focused on identifying structurally& functionally novel NRTTIs, with potential for extended-duration dosing for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis'
MK-8527 is a novel inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase translocation with potential for extended-duration dosing
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitors (NRTTIs) are antiretroviral agents that block HIV replication. This study identifies a novel long-acting deoxyadenosine analog, MK-8527, that ...
journals.plos.org
September 3, 2025 at 11:41 PM
'This work describes the discovery & mechanistic investigation of a novel NRTTI, MK-8527, developed through a comprehensive lead optimization campaign focused on identifying structurally& functionally novel NRTTIs, with potential for extended-duration dosing for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis'
We're at the #AIDS2026 #HIVprevention precon & just heard from Merck's Rebeca Plank, who shared updates on #MK-8527 #alimatravir, the monthly oral #PrEP candidate. Here are a few highlights. Visit AVAC for all things MK-8527, www.prepwatch.org/products/mk-...
#PrEP #HIVPrevention
#PrEP #HIVPrevention
July 26, 2026 at 1:18 PM
We're at the #AIDS2026 #HIVprevention precon & just heard from Merck's Rebeca Plank, who shared updates on #MK-8527 #alimatravir, the monthly oral #PrEP candidate. Here are a few highlights. Visit AVAC for all things MK-8527, www.prepwatch.org/products/mk-...
#PrEP #HIVPrevention
#PrEP #HIVPrevention
MK-8527, a new HIV-1 inhibitor, reduced viral load by over 1 log10 with single doses as low as 0.5 mg.
by Carstens RP, Kapoor Y (...) Gillespie GL et 17 al. in Clin Infect Dis #MedSky
👉 get more here
📖 read the article: https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciag135/8522943
by Carstens RP, Kapoor Y (...) Gillespie GL et 17 al. in Clin Infect Dis #MedSky
👉 get more here
📖 read the article: https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciag135/8522943
March 23, 2026 at 9:12 AM
MK-8527, a new HIV-1 inhibitor, reduced viral load by over 1 log10 with single doses as low as 0.5 mg.
by Carstens RP, Kapoor Y (...) Gillespie GL et 17 al. in Clin Infect Dis #MedSky
👉 get more here
📖 read the article: https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciag135/8522943
by Carstens RP, Kapoor Y (...) Gillespie GL et 17 al. in Clin Infect Dis #MedSky
👉 get more here
📖 read the article: https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciag135/8522943
Innovation creates possibility. Preparation creates access.
We're investing now to help African manufacturers prepare for the potential future production of investigational once-monthly HIV prevention pill alimatravir (MK-8527), pending successful trials and regulatory approval.
We're investing now to help African manufacturers prepare for the potential future production of investigational once-monthly HIV prevention pill alimatravir (MK-8527), pending successful trials and regulatory approval.
July 24, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Innovation creates possibility. Preparation creates access.
We're investing now to help African manufacturers prepare for the potential future production of investigational once-monthly HIV prevention pill alimatravir (MK-8527), pending successful trials and regulatory approval.
We're investing now to help African manufacturers prepare for the potential future production of investigational once-monthly HIV prevention pill alimatravir (MK-8527), pending successful trials and regulatory approval.
Exciting news from #IAS2025! A once-monthly #PrEP pill option is on the horizon.
MK-8527 was safe, well-tolerated & protective levels were maintained. It’s now headed into Phase 3 trials.
We need as many PrEP options as possible to end the #HIV epidemic.
@iasociety.bsky.social
MK-8527 was safe, well-tolerated & protective levels were maintained. It’s now headed into Phase 3 trials.
We need as many PrEP options as possible to end the #HIV epidemic.
@iasociety.bsky.social
July 16, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Exciting news from #IAS2025! A once-monthly #PrEP pill option is on the horizon.
MK-8527 was safe, well-tolerated & protective levels were maintained. It’s now headed into Phase 3 trials.
We need as many PrEP options as possible to end the #HIV epidemic.
@iasociety.bsky.social
MK-8527 was safe, well-tolerated & protective levels were maintained. It’s now headed into Phase 3 trials.
We need as many PrEP options as possible to end the #HIV epidemic.
@iasociety.bsky.social
Expect litigation (like happened with the COVID-19 vaccines) if, under pressure from Gilead, pricing is kept secret. The announcement that Merck's MK-8527 is going into phase 3 trials is good news, but that'll take plenty long to hit the market. We need affordable, available long lasting PrEP *now*!
July 16, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Expect litigation (like happened with the COVID-19 vaccines) if, under pressure from Gilead, pricing is kept secret. The announcement that Merck's MK-8527 is going into phase 3 trials is good news, but that'll take plenty long to hit the market. We need affordable, available long lasting PrEP *now*!
Antiretroviral Activity, Pharmacokinetics, and Safety of MK-8527, an Oral Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Translocation Inhibitor, in Adults Living With HIV-1 Who Had Not Previously Taken Antiretroviral Agents
✅ Just Accepted
🔗 https://bit.ly/3NQNAwy
✅ Just Accepted
🔗 https://bit.ly/3NQNAwy
April 7, 2026 at 7:04 AM
Antiretroviral Activity, Pharmacokinetics, and Safety of MK-8527, an Oral Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Translocation Inhibitor, in Adults Living With HIV-1 Who Had Not Previously Taken Antiretroviral Agents
✅ Just Accepted
🔗 https://bit.ly/3NQNAwy
✅ Just Accepted
🔗 https://bit.ly/3NQNAwy
Simon Collins von @hiv-i-base.bsky.social kommentiert die geplanten #PrEP- Studien mit 1 Tablette/Monat:
Langwirksame Tabletten für die #HIV- PrEP sind einfacher zu produzieren und vertreiben als Spritzen, das wäre auch für die Generika-Produktion und globale Distribution ein Vorteil.
Langwirksame Tabletten für die #HIV- PrEP sind einfacher zu produzieren und vertreiben als Spritzen, das wäre auch für die Generika-Produktion und globale Distribution ein Vorteil.
Potential for once-monthly oral PrEP using MK-8527 | HTB | HIV i-Base
i-base.info
July 17, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Simon Collins von @hiv-i-base.bsky.social kommentiert die geplanten #PrEP- Studien mit 1 Tablette/Monat:
Langwirksame Tabletten für die #HIV- PrEP sind einfacher zu produzieren und vertreiben als Spritzen, das wäre auch für die Generika-Produktion und globale Distribution ein Vorteil.
Langwirksame Tabletten für die #HIV- PrEP sind einfacher zu produzieren und vertreiben als Spritzen, das wäre auch für die Generika-Produktion und globale Distribution ein Vorteil.
Heading to #AIDS2026? We've curated AVAC's top Advocates' Guides to help you navigate the #science, policy and implementation conversations shaping the future of #HIV prevention. From #LEN and MK-8527 to vaccines and implementation, start here: avac.org/blog/best-of...
Best of AVAC’s Advocacy Guides
The AIDS 2026 conference is fast approaching. To help advocates stay informed and engaged, AVAC has curated a collection of its Advocates’ Guides covering the science, policy, implementation and advoc...
avac.org
July 8, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Heading to #AIDS2026? We've curated AVAC's top Advocates' Guides to help you navigate the #science, policy and implementation conversations shaping the future of #HIV prevention. From #LEN and MK-8527 to vaccines and implementation, start here: avac.org/blog/best-of...
In den USA wurde das langwirksame #HIV- Medikament #Lenacapavir unter dem Namen #Yeztugo zur HIV-Prophylaxe #PrEP zugelassen (2 Spritzen/Jahr), daneben gibt es die #Cabotegravir- PrEP ( #CAB-LA) mit 6 Spritzen/Jahr. Nun soll eine PrEP mit langwirksamen Tabletten (12 Tabletten/Jahr) erforscht werden.
Potential for once-monthly oral PrEP using MK-8527 | HTB | HIV i-Base
i-base.info
July 17, 2025 at 8:51 AM
In den USA wurde das langwirksame #HIV- Medikament #Lenacapavir unter dem Namen #Yeztugo zur HIV-Prophylaxe #PrEP zugelassen (2 Spritzen/Jahr), daneben gibt es die #Cabotegravir- PrEP ( #CAB-LA) mit 6 Spritzen/Jahr. Nun soll eine PrEP mit langwirksamen Tabletten (12 Tabletten/Jahr) erforscht werden.
Dr Rebeca Plank (Merck/MSD) présente les dernières données sur MK-8527, une Prep en comprimé oral une fois par mois. MK8527 est de la même famille des inhibiteurs nucléosidiques de la translocation de la transcriptase inverse (NRTTI). #IAS2025
July 14, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Dr Rebeca Plank (Merck/MSD) présente les dernières données sur MK-8527, une Prep en comprimé oral une fois par mois. MK8527 est de la même famille des inhibiteurs nucléosidiques de la translocation de la transcriptase inverse (NRTTI). #IAS2025
2️⃣ In 17 Ländern wird der #HIV- Wirkstoff MK-8527 derzeit in Phase-III-Studien zur medizinischen HIV-Prophylaxe #PrEP erforscht (EXPrESSIVE 10 und EXPrESSIVE 11).
EXPrESSIVE Phase III Program Countries of MK-8527
Seventeen countries are hosting sites for the Phase III efficacy trials of a monthly PrEP pill, MK-8527, being developed by Merck (also known as MSD outside of the US and Canada). Merck announced the ...
avac.org
March 23, 2026 at 10:45 AM
New monthly pill shows potential as pre-exposure prophylaxis HIV drug candidate MK-8527
bit.ly/3HVeMXI
bit.ly/3HVeMXI
August 26, 2025 at 8:52 PM
New monthly pill shows potential as pre-exposure prophylaxis HIV drug candidate MK-8527
bit.ly/3HVeMXI
bit.ly/3HVeMXI
News from #IAS2025: An investigational once-monthly pill from Merck/MSD holds promise for HIV PrEP. With favorable pharmacokinetics & a good safety profile, MK-8527 could offer a long-acting HIV prevention option for people who don’t want injections. @iasociety.bsky.social @fenwayhealth.bsky.social
Once-monthly oral PrEP moves into late-stage trials
An investigational once-monthly pill holds promise for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), according to mid-stage study results presented yesterday at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference o...
www.aidsmap.com
July 17, 2025 at 7:35 PM
News from #IAS2025: An investigational once-monthly pill from Merck/MSD holds promise for HIV PrEP. With favorable pharmacokinetics & a good safety profile, MK-8527 could offer a long-acting HIV prevention option for people who don’t want injections. @iasociety.bsky.social @fenwayhealth.bsky.social
🧵1️⃣ Der Wirkstoff #Alimatravir zum Schutz vor #HIV (auch bekannt als MK-8527) könnte für 3 Dollar pro Person und Jahr produziert werden, so eine Studie, über die @aidsmap.bsky.social berichtet. Noch ist allerdings die Phase-3-Studie nicht abgeschlossen, Ergebnisse werden Ende 2027 erwartet. /2
Monthly PrEP pill could be made for US$3 a year, but Latin America is shut out of generic licensing
Merck's investigational once-monthly PrEP pill could be manufactured and sold profitably for around $3 per person per year, making it the cheapest HIV prevention drug ever brought to market, the 26th ...
www.aidsmap.com
July 29, 2026 at 3:41 PM
🧵1️⃣ Der Wirkstoff #Alimatravir zum Schutz vor #HIV (auch bekannt als MK-8527) könnte für 3 Dollar pro Person und Jahr produziert werden, so eine Studie, über die @aidsmap.bsky.social berichtet. Noch ist allerdings die Phase-3-Studie nicht abgeschlossen, Ergebnisse werden Ende 2027 erwartet. /2
Frei zugänglicher Beitrag zum in der Entwicklung befindlichen #HIV- Wirkstoff MK-8527 (NRTTI = nukleosidischer Reverse-Transkriptase-Translokations-Inhibitor), der einmal wöchentlich oral genommen auch für die medizinische HIV-Prophylaxe #PrEP erforscht wird.
Antiretroviral Activity, Pharmacokinetics, and Safety of MK-8527, an Oral Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Translocation Inhibitor, in Adults Living With HIV-1 Who Had Not Previously Taken Antiretrovi...
AbstractBackground. MK-8527 is a novel oral nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor under clinical development as HIV-1 prevention. Two Ph
academic.oup.com
March 23, 2026 at 10:43 AM
#IAS2025: New WHO guidelines endorse lenacapavir PrEP, Medicines Patent Pool expands license for injectable cabotegravir for treatment & Merck’s once-monthly oral PrEP pill MK-8527 advances to Phase III trials.
www.poz.com/blog/momentu...
www.poz.com/blog/momentu...
Momentum Builds For Long-Acting HIV Solutions
IAS 2025 spotlights scientific progress, funding challenges and leaders’ calls to action.
www.poz.com
July 14, 2025 at 3:10 PM
#IAS2025: New WHO guidelines endorse lenacapavir PrEP, Medicines Patent Pool expands license for injectable cabotegravir for treatment & Merck’s once-monthly oral PrEP pill MK-8527 advances to Phase III trials.
www.poz.com/blog/momentu...
www.poz.com/blog/momentu...