Isentress (Merck) shows promise in treating young patients with HIV

An update on a Phase II clinical trial of Isentress (raltegravir), from Merck, sponsored by the National Institute of Health�s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, shows the drug has an excellent efficacy profile in children with HIV who have failed other regimens. All of the 96 patients enrolled had previously been treated with a regimen of other HIV medications before Isentress. After being treated for 24 weeks with Isentress, 53 percent of the patients had an undetectable amount of HIV in their blood, says Sharon Nachman, M.D., Associate Dean for Research, Professor of Pediatrics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine. The trial shows Isentress has an excellent efficacy profile in children with HIV who have failed other regimens and also shows no significant toxicities or interactions with other HIV medications. Each child enrolled will be followed for five years. During that period, Dr. Nachman and colleagues will continue to evaluate efficacy and any long-term complications of the medicine in the patient population. The study provides the only pediatric data on the use of Isentress in patients ages 2 to 18 years. One of the next steps to advance the study is to evaluate a novel baby formulation.