The FDA approved Merck’s once-daily HIV pill, a move that broadens the company’s position in a field increasingly targeted by biopharma drugmakers seeking new growth outside of shrinking pipeline segments. The approval supports Merck’s push to compete in HIV maintenance therapy after years of heavy investment across antiretroviral classes. Separately, Merck’s Idvynso (doravirine/islatravir) received FDA approval for adults with HIV-1 infection who are virologically suppressed and meet resistance-related criteria. Together, the actions reinforce Merck’s intent to supply modern oral regimens for patients on stable therapy. For developers, the approvals highlight continued regulator confidence in simplified dosing strategies and the ongoing demand for oral, chronic-use HIV options.