Merck & Co., Inc. Release: Lipid Levels Were Not Increased In Patients Taking MK-0518, An Investigational HIV Integrase Inhibitor, In Combination Therapy After 24 Weeks Of Therapy

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were not increased in HIV-infected patients taking MK-0518, an investigational integrase inhibitor being developed by Merck & Co., Inc., with tenofovir (Viread®) and lamivudine (Epivir®). In contrast, increased levels of both lipid parameters were observed in patients taking efavirenz (Sustiva®) combined with the same drugs.