Merck and Gilead reported positive results from two Phase 3 trials supporting a combination regimen designed to become the first weekly oral HIV pill. The approach pairs Merck’s islatravir with Gilead’s lenacapavir, evaluated in virologically suppressed participants who switched off existing antiretroviral therapy. In Islend-1, the regimen was non-inferior after switching from Gilead’s once-daily Biktarvy, while Islend-2 met its primary efficacy endpoint after switching from standard-of-care regimens. Both studies reported no new safety concerns in the interim findings shared by the companies. The companies said they plan to submit data to regulators worldwide and present findings at a future scientific congress. Analysts expect Biktarvy to remain the dominant standard given its extensive real-world efficacy dataset, but the weekly regimen adds a new option pathway. For the HIV market and adherence-focused care models, a weekly oral schedule would represent a meaningful shift if long-term resistance and safety profiles confirm.