Core Insights - Merck announced positive top-line results from a pivotal late-stage study for its investigational HIV treatment DOR/ISL, demonstrating non-inferiority to Gilead's Biktarvy [1][4][6] Group 1: Study Results - The phase III MK-8591A-053 study evaluated DOR/ISL in treatment-naïve adults with HIV-1, showing comparable efficacy and safety to Gilead's Biktarvy [3][4] - The study met its primary endpoint, with a significant percentage of patients achieving HIV-1 RNA levels below 50 copies/mL at week 48 [4][8] - DOR/ISL's safety profile was found to be similar to that of Biktarvy, supporting its potential as a treatment option [4][8] Group 2: Regulatory and Market Implications - A regulatory filing for DOR/ISL to treat virologically suppressed adults on antiretroviral therapy is under FDA review, with a decision expected on April 28, 2026 [2] - Merck plans to present detailed results from the MK-8591A-053 study at a future medical conference and is preparing applications for approval to treat treatment-naïve HIV patients [5][6] - Year-to-date, Merck's shares have decreased by 4.4%, contrasting with the industry's growth of 14.5% [5] Group 3: Additional Developments - The European Commission approved the subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda, enhancing patient convenience and potentially increasing adoption rates [10][12] - The SC version of Keytruda can be administered in as little as one minute, compared to at least 30 minutes for the IV formulation, easing the burden on healthcare facilities [12][13]

Core Insights - Merck & Co. Inc. has reported positive topline results from a Phase 3 trial of the investigational drug regimen doravirine/islatravir (DOR/ISL) for treatment-naïve adults with HIV-1 infection [1][2] - The trial demonstrated that DOR/ISL met the primary efficacy criterion, showing non-inferiority to the existing treatment Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) [2][5] - The safety profile of DOR/ISL was comparable to that of Biktarvy, fulfilling the primary safety objective of the trial [3][5] - The FDA has accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for DOR/ISL, with a target action date set for April 28, 2026 [3] Efficacy and Safety - The primary efficacy success criterion was based on the percentage of participants achieving HIV-1 RNA levels below 50 copies/mL at Week 48 [2] - Both Phase 3 trials conducted in March showed that DOR/ISL met the primary efficacy and safety objectives at Week 48 [5] Regulatory Status - The FDA's acceptance of the NDA for DOR/ISL indicates a significant step towards potential market entry, aiming to replace current antiretroviral regimens for virologically-suppressed patients [3] Market Performance - Following the announcement, Merck's stock experienced a decline of 1.48%, trading at $95 [5]

Core Insights - Gilead Sciences, Inc. announced that its investigational single-tablet regimen (STR) of bictegravir and lenacapavir for HIV-1 treatment met the primary endpoint in the late-stage ARTISTRY-1 study [1][5] Study Results - The ARTISTRY-1 study is a multicenter phase II/III trial comparing the once-daily combination of bictegravir and lenacapavir against current therapy in HIV patients who are virologically suppressed on complex regimens [2][4] - The study showed that the STR met the primary success criterion for non-inferiority to baseline multi-tablet antiretroviral therapy regimens, with the primary efficacy endpoint being the percentage of participants with HIV-1 RNA levels ≥50 copies/mL at week 48 [5][8] - The combination was generally well tolerated, with no significant or new safety concerns identified [5][8] Market Performance - Gilead's shares have surged 35.6% year to date, outperforming the industry growth of 15.4% [3] Future Plans - Gilead plans to file the late-stage data from the ARTISTRY trials with regulatory authorities [6][10] - The company is also conducting the double-blind, phase III ARTISTRY-2 trial, evaluating the safety and efficacy of switching from Biktarvy to the fixed-dose combination of bictegravir and lenacapavir in virologically suppressed people with HIV-1, with top-line data expected before the end of 2025 [10] HIV Franchise Strength - Gilead has a market-leading HIV franchise, with Biktarvy and Descovy as flagship therapies driving top-line growth [11] - Biktarvy accounts for over 52% of the treatment market in the U.S., while Descovy holds more than 45% of the U.S. PrEP market [11][12] - The FDA approval of lenacapavir under the brand name Yeztugo for twice-yearly PrEP has further strengthened Gilead's HIV portfolio [12][13] - Yeztugo generated $39 million in sales in the third quarter, achieving a 75% coverage goal ahead of schedule, with a target of 90% coverage by mid-2026 [14] Competitive Landscape - Positive data from the ARTISTRY studies is expected to bolster Gilead's position amid increasing competition from companies like GSK, which is expanding its HIV business with long-acting injectable medicines [15]

Core Insights - Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) reported a 3% year-over-year growth in total revenues for Q3 2025, driven by higher royalty, contract, and other revenues, alongside strong product sales from its HIV franchise and liver disease drug Livdelzi [1][10] Revenue Breakdown - Total revenues include product sales and royalty, contract, and other revenues [1] - Excluding Veklury, product sales increased by 4% to $7.1 billion [2] HIV Franchise Performance - Gilead's HIV franchise remains strong, with flagship therapies Biktarvy and Descovy contributing significantly to revenue growth [3] - Biktarvy sales rose 6% year-over-year to $3.7 billion, capturing over 52% of the U.S. treatment market [4] - Descovy sales increased by 20% year-over-year to $701 million, with approximately 75% of sales for HIV prevention [6] - Newly approved Yeztugo generated $39 million in sales, achieving a 75% coverage goal ahead of schedule [7] - Gilead anticipates approximately 5% HIV revenue growth in 2025, despite challenges from Medicare Part D redesign [7] Liver Disease Portfolio - Sales from the liver disease portfolio increased by 12% to $819 million, primarily due to demand for Livdelzi [9] - Livdelzi surpassed $100 million in quarterly sales for the first time and is now the first-line treatment for second-line PBC in the U.S. [10][11] Cell Therapy Franchise - Sales from the Cell Therapy franchise decreased by 11% to $432 million, missing consensus estimates [12] - Yescarta sales fell by 10% to $349 million, while Tecartus sales decreased by 15% to $83 million due to lower demand [12] Overall Performance and Market Position - Despite declines in Veklury and Cell Therapy sales, the strong performance of the HIV franchise and Livdelzi supports future growth [10][14] - Gilead's shares have surged 32.2% year-to-date, outperforming the industry growth of 12.1% [14]

Core Insights - Gilead Sciences Inc reported adjusted earnings of $2.47 per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.13 [1] - The company achieved revenues of $7.77 billion, exceeding the consensus of $7.45 billion, despite a 2% decline in product sales to $7.3 billion [2] Financial Performance - HIV product sales increased by 4% to $5.3 billion, while liver disease portfolio sales rose by 12% to $819 million [3] - Biktarvy sales grew by 6% to $3.7 billion, and Descovy revenues surged by 20% to $701 million [3] Guidance and Outlook - Gilead raised its fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings guidance from $7.95-$8.25 per share to $8.05-$8.25, compared to the consensus of $8.03 [4] - The sales guidance was also increased from $28.3 billion-$28.7 billion to $28.4 billion-$28.7 billion, exceeding the consensus of $28.84 billion [4] Analyst Ratings - Needham reiterated its Buy rating for Gilead with a price forecast of $133, highlighting upcoming catalysts related to HIV treatment and cell therapy [5] - Cantor Fitzgerald maintained an Overweight rating with a price forecast of $135, while RBC Capital raised its price forecast from $100 to $105 [6] Market Performance - Gilead Sciences shares were up 0.29% at $118.78 at the time of publication [6]

Financial Performance - Total product sales excluding Veklury increased by 4% year-over-year to $7.1 billion[8], driven by the strength of the HIV portfolio[8] - Total HIV product sales also increased by 4% year-over-year[8], with Biktarvy up by 6%[8] and Descovy up by 20%[8], and Yeztugo sales of $39 million[8] - Non-GAAP diluted EPS was $2.47, or $2.22 excluding non-recurring revenue[8] - Livdelzi sales grew 35% quarter-over-quarter to $105 million[61] - Veklury sales decreased by 60% year-over-year due to fewer COVID-19 related hospitalizations[60], resulting in $400 million lower sales[60] Product and Pipeline Updates - Yeztugo achieved 75% payer access in the U S [8], with a target of 90% by the end of Q226[8] - The European Commission approved Yeytuo, a twice-yearly injection for HIV prevention[8] - Trodelvy sales increased by 7% year-over-year[8], driven by higher demand[34] - Cell Therapy sales decreased by 11% year-over-year[8] due to competitive headwinds[37] - The company expects HIV business to grow approximately 5% year-over-year, revised from a prior guidance of approximately 3%[17]

Core Insights - The pharmaceutical industry is advancing innovative treatments for chronic disease management, with Merck & Co. Inc. announcing new data from Phase 3 studies on the two-drug regimen of doravirine/islatravir (DOR/ISL) for adults with virologically suppressed HIV-1 infection [1] Group 1: Study Findings - The MK-8591A-052 trial showed that DOR/ISL maintained viral suppression and was non-inferior to the three-drug regimen BIC/FTC/TAF, with no treatment-emergent resistance observed [3] - In the MK-8591A-052 trial, participants switching to DOR/ISL experienced minimal weight changes at Week 48, with a mean weight change of -0.03 kg compared to +0.28 kg for BIC/FTC/TAF [4] - The percentage of participants experiencing significant weight gain (≥5% and ≥10%) was lower in the DOR/ISL group compared to the BIC/FTC/TAF group [4] Group 2: Body Composition and Lipid Changes - Changes in lean body mass, peripheral fat, trunk fat, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio were small and comparable between DOR/ISL and BIC/FTC/TAF treatment groups [5] - Minimal changes in fasting lipids were observed across both trials, with no substantial differences between DOR/ISL and comparator groups [6] - Less than 5% of participants with type 2 diabetes modified their medication across treatment groups, indicating stability in diabetic management [6] Group 3: Regulatory and Market Impact - The FDA has accepted the New Drug Application for DOR/ISL, with a target action date set for April 28, 2026 [7] - At the time of publication, Merck & Co shares were down 0.96% at $83.89 [7]

Core Insights - Merck announced new data from Phase 3 trials evaluating the investigational two-drug regimen of doravirine/islatravir (DOR/ISL) for adults with virologically suppressed HIV-1 infection, showing minimal changes in weight and body composition, and no clinically meaningful effects on fasting lipids and insulin resistance [1][3][4] Group 1: Trial Results - In trial MK-8591A-052, adults switching to DOR/ISL from BIC/FTC/TAF exhibited minimal changes in weight at Week 48, with a mean weight change of -0.03 kg for DOR/ISL compared to +0.28 kg for BIC/FTC/TAF [5] - The percentage of participants experiencing a 5% weight gain was 14.6% for DOR/ISL and 16.0% for BIC/FTC/TAF, indicating comparable outcomes [5] - Both trials showed no clinically meaningful changes in fasting lipids or insulin resistance, with similar results across treatment groups [3][6] Group 2: Safety and Efficacy - Drug-related adverse events were similar between DOR/ISL and BIC/FTC/TAF, with 10.2% for DOR/ISL and 9.4% for BIC/FTC/TAF [10] - Rates of serious adverse events were also comparable, with 7.3% for DOR/ISL and 7.6% for BIC/FTC/TAF [10] - The trials reported no treatment-emergent resistance to DOR or ISL, reinforcing the safety profile of the investigational regimen [1][4] Group 3: Regulatory Status - The FDA accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for DOR/ISL, with a target action date set for April 28, 2026 [7] Group 4: Demographics and Study Design - The MK-8591A-052 trial included 513 adults with a median age of 47 years, with 21.4% assigned female sex at birth and 30.8% identifying as Black or African American [8] - The MK-8591A-051 trial involved 551 adults, with a median age of 51 years, and a similar demographic distribution [11][12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gilead Sciences reported strong performance in Q2 2025, leading to an increase in guidance for both top-line and bottom-line growth for the year [3] - The HIV prevention business saw a significant growth with Descovy sales up 37% quarter over quarter [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The launch of the new HIV prevention therapy, YES2Go, has been described as the strongest execution seen in a launch, with 73% unaided awareness and 95% aided awareness [5][6] - The HIV treatment business is growing at 3%, despite expectations of flat growth due to Part D headwinds, with demand-led growth being the primary driver [36][38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The HIV prevention market is currently underpenetrated, with only 50,000 to 400,000 patients on the drug, compared to a potential 1.2 to 3 million [27][31] - The market for HIV prevention is expected to evolve significantly, with a focus on patients already on other therapies transitioning to YES2Go [29][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Gilead is focused on expanding its HIV prevention market, emphasizing the need for broader access and coverage for its therapies [12][16] - The company is also investing in its oncology pipeline, with multiple launches expected, including a CAR T therapy for multiple myeloma and Trodelvy for breast cancer [63][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth of the HIV prevention business, driven by strong clinical data and payer recognition of the need for unrestricted access [25][57] - The company is preparing for potential macro headwinds but believes its strong clinical profile will help mitigate risks [56][58] Other Important Information - The J code for YES2Go was granted earlier than expected, which is crucial for reimbursement processes [12][13] - Gilead is committed to maintaining a strong pipeline with multiple late-stage programs expected to launch before the loss of exclusivity for Biktarvy in the mid-2030s [49][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the launch of YES2Go performing? - The launch has been strong, with high awareness and early wins in payer negotiations, indicating a positive trajectory for the product [5][12] Question: What are the expectations for the HIV treatment market? - Despite headwinds, the HIV treatment business is growing, primarily driven by demand, with Biktarvy continuing to gain market share [36][38] Question: How does Gilead view potential changes in payer coverage? - Management is confident in achieving broad coverage for YES2Go and believes the clinical efficacy will drive payer acceptance [16][25] Question: What is the outlook for the oncology pipeline? - Gilead sees significant opportunities in oncology, particularly with the upcoming CAR T therapy and Trodelvy, which is expected to become a standard of care in breast cancer [63][72] Question: How is Gilead preparing for macroeconomic challenges? - The company is actively engaging with policymakers and believes its strong portfolio will help navigate potential changes in drug pricing and coverage [56][58]

Core Insights - Merck (MRK) has received FDA acceptance for the new drug application (NDA) for its investigational two-drug regimen doravirine/islatravir (DOR/ISL) aimed at treating virologically suppressed adults with HIV-1 infection, with a decision expected by April 28, 2026 [1][7] Drug Efficacy and Studies - If approved, DOR/ISL would be the first non-integrase inhibitor-based two-drug regimen demonstrating comparable efficacy and safety to the current three-drug standard, BIC/FTC/TAF, in phase III studies [2] - The NDA is supported by data from two pivotal phase III studies (MK-8591A-051 and MK-8591A-052), which showed that DOR/ISL (100 mg/0.25 mg) was non-inferior to comparator antiretroviral therapies in adults with virologically suppressed HIV-1 [3] Ongoing Research and Collaborations - Merck is continuing its HIV research with additional trials, including MK-8591A-053 and MK-8591A-054, which evaluate DOR/ISL in treatment-naïve individuals and those from earlier studies, respectively [9][10] - The company is collaborating with Gilead Sciences (GILD) to evaluate islatravir in combination with GILD's lenacapavir in a phase II study for HIV treatment [10] Stock Performance - Year to date, Merck's shares have decreased by 15.5%, contrasting with a 0.2% rise in the industry [4]