ScienHub Research Support: CTU participates in an international study demonstrating the efficacy of a two-drug regimen in HIV treatment
A combination of two drugs against HIV (doravirine and islatravir) has demonstrated efficacy and safety comparable to standard triple antiretroviral therapy in an international phase 3 clinical trial published in The Lancet HIV.
The study, led by the University Hospital of Bonn and the company Merck, included the support of ScienHub Research Support through its CTU, as well as the participation of the Fight Infections Foundation.
The involvement of the CTU in this study highlights the value of specialized units in the implementation of clinical trials, particularly in international studies that require a high level of coordination, methodological rigor, and operational excellence.
A study involving 756 newly diagnosed participants
The trial included 756 people living with HIV who were starting treatment for the first time after diagnosis. Half received the combination of doravirine and islatravir, while the other half received a triple therapy based on bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide, one of the current standard regimens.
After one year of follow-up, around 90% of participants in both groups achieved undetectable viral load in the blood. A comparable recovery of CD4 cells in the immune system—typically affected by HIV—was also observed. Additionally, the results remained consistent regardless of initial viral load, immune status, or the presence of resistance-associated mutations among participants.
Reduced cumulative exposure and more therapeutic options
Currently, most recommended initial treatments include integrase inhibitors. Although some dual therapies already exist, they are typically also based on this class of drugs. Reducing the number of medications can help decrease cumulative exposure over a lifetime and potentially minimize long-term side effects or interactions with other treatments. Moreover, having options that do not rely on integrase inhibitors broadens the therapeutic landscape in cases of resistance or intolerance.
The findings also support the future development of long-acting treatment strategies. “Islatravir is a highly potent compound with prolonged activity, which could potentially enable more spaced dosing regimens in the future, such as a weekly pill or a subcutaneous injection every six months,” explains Roger Paredes, Scientific Director of the Fundació Lluita contra les Infeccions.
Overall, the study reinforces the path toward simpler, more flexible, and personalized HIV treatments, while maintaining sustained and safe viral control over time.