We continue to push the boundaries of HIV science because unmet medical need still endures. Ending the HIV epidemic remains our ultimate goal.
Advancing research on HIV treatment and prevention
As of 2023, nearly 40 million people worldwide were living with HIV; 1.3 million were diagnosed with HIV that year. The HIV epidemic is far from over, and today, people living with HIV continue to face many challenges. Our HIV research program aims to help address the evolving needs of the individuals living with HIV.
Meet two scientists at the forefront of our HIV research
The field of HIV research has changed drastically in the past 40 years. These two esteemed scientists share their motivations and hopes for the future of HIV research.
Working together with the HIV community with a goal to end the epidemic
We’ve been committed to advancing science for the treatment and prevention of HIV since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, but we know it takes all of us to make a difference. Learn more about the vibrant community of people living with HIV, advocates and researchers who are working together to ensure lives aren’t defined by HIV.
HIV community advocates spark a global conversation
Meet three HIV advocates who are using their stories to uplift, spark change and create spaces of healing and hope across continents. Learn more
A history of HIV research
Since 1985, Merck has been engaged in research in the treatment of HIV — having made significant discoveries that changed the way HIV is treated. Today, we continue to conduct research and partner with industry peers to advance potential new treatments for HIV and for its prevention. Learn more about our history.
In 1982, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first used the term “AIDS,” or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, to describe the clinical syndrome caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
In the mid-1980s, Merck launched its HIV research program in response to what it perceived as a potential epidemic. Our scientists were among the first to discover and develop medicines for the treatment of HIV.
We were the first to publish the crystal structure of HIV protease, which is an enzyme which is essential for virus infectivity.
In 1992, Merck joined other pharmaceutical companies to create the Inter-Company Collaboration for AIDS Drug Development to research HIV treatments. By 1993, we were undertaking the biggest research program in our history, deploying more scientists to investigate AIDS than any other disease and testing tens of thousands of compounds.
The HIV/AIDS community continued to speak out for action. In 1995, Linda Distlerath, former executive director, Public Policy and Merck Research Laboratories Public Affairs, spent time reading letters sent from thousands of AIDS patients and activists urging Merck to produce a treatment for the disease quickly.
After years of study and development, Merck developed one of the first protease inhibitors. In 1995, prior to FDA approval, in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, patients and HIV advocacy groups, Merck offered a program that made its new HIV treatment available at no cost to selective patients before it was commercially available.
In 1996, the HIV treatment received FDA approval in a record-setting 42 days. It was an important early achievement in making HIV a survivable infection.
In 2012, The NAMES Project Foundation — with support from Merck — launched the Call My Name national tour to bring attention to the distressing trajectory of the HIV epidemic in Black communities in the U.S. The tour included creating new panels for the AIDS memorial quilt and educational workshops in 10 high-prevalence cities.
In 2021, we entered into an agreement with Gilead to work together in the global HIV community in the fight against HIV.
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