August 23, 2025
The drug maker Merck’s recent announcement at IAS 2025 of two new efficacy trials of a monthly PrEP pill, known as the EXPrESSIVE program, is welcome news. A long-acting PrEP pill would offer a unique new option that could transform the field, contributing significantly to expanding use of HIV prevention, especially to young women, key populations, and those navigating stigma, clinic fatigue, or other barriers to health services.
In addition, Merck’s robust commitment to stakeholder engagement to date contributes an important model of Good Participatory Practice (GPP) to the field, by putting global advocates at the forefront of planning for the program. Merck has expressed a commitment to sustain this vital engagement throughout the program and next steps, and advocates will be holding them to it. AVAC is pleased to share this statement, Global Advocates Welcome the Launch of Merck’s EXPrESSIVE Program, from numerous organizations and advocates who commend Merck “for this important investment in innovation, equity, and choice.”
“This is not just another trial; it’s a signal that the needs of young women and other key groups most affected by HIV really matter,” said Chilufya Kasanda Hampongo, Chair of the Young Women’s HIV Prevention Council (YWHPC). “A monthly pill will offer a new kind of freedom—something discreet, something manageable, something we can own on our terms.”
AVAC has produced several resources to explain and contextualize the EXPrESSIVE program and the monthly PrEP pill.
- Next Up: A monthly pill for PrEP?: This new episode of AVAC’s PxPulse podcast features MSD’s Distinguished Scientist Rebeca Plank and AVAC’s Regional Manager for Research Engagement Grace Kumwenda. They explain the trials’ design, why a monthly pill could be so important to HIV prevention and how GPP is shaping both R&D and rollout of the trials.
- EXPrESSIVE Phase 3 Trials is a new infographic showing the 17 countries hosting trial sites for the two efficacy trials.
- Go to PrEPWatch.org’s dedicated page on MK-8527 for background information on the product and details on the EXPrESSIVE trials.
Now is the time for advocates to serve as both watchdogs and champions for the EXPrESSIVE program and additional options! Join AVAC in tracking this important development in prevention research.