Gilead and Merck Release Key HIV Data

Gilead and Merck have released new HIV data from Phase 3 trials of the investigational once‑weekly oral regimen islatravir/lenacapavir (ISLET/LEN), showing non‑inferior viral suppression and a safety profile comparable to standard daily regimens such as Biktarvy; long‑term follow‑up from the PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 trials of twice‑yearly lenacapavir for PrEP continues to show high efficacy and high adherence, with minimal infections and no new safety signals through 52‑week open‑label extensions; at AIDS 2026 and CROI 2026, both companies presented additional HIV treatment and prevention data, including pediatric and real‑world outcomes for Biktarvy and pipeline programs such as weekly and twice‑yearly long‑acting regimens, while Dimension Capital has announced an $800 million fund targeting life sciences and healthcare innovation, reinforcing capital flows into next‑generation biotech and infectious‑disease R&D.