February 10, 2006—After a decade of trying, scientists this week reported success in developing two integrase inhibitors—a new class of HIV med that blocks the virus’ reproduction. In a clinical study presented at the 13th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, approximately two-thirds of patients taking an integrase inhibitor being developed by Merck dropped to an undetectable viral load after 16 weeks. Encouraging results from a contender being developed by Gilead were also presented.