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ISL
ISL is an insulin secretagogue that stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release insulin in response to glucose.
ISL is an insulin secretagogue that stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release insulin in response to glucose. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
At a glance
| Generic name | ISL |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Islatravir, MK-8591, islatravir |
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Meglitinide (rapid-acting insulin secretagogue) |
| Target | ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Endocrinology / Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
ISL works by binding to ATP-sensitive potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells, causing depolarization and triggering insulin secretion. This mechanism helps lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes by enhancing endogenous insulin production in response to meals and elevated glucose concentrations.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Common side effects
- Hypoglycemia
- Weight gain
- Upper respiratory tract infection
Key clinical trials
- A Clinical Study of Islatravir and Ulonivirine for People With HIV-1 Who Have Not Been Treated Before (MK-8591B-062) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Switch to Doravirine/Islatravir (DOR/ISL) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) Participants Treated With Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) (MK-8591A-018) (PHASE3)
- OCD Summer Treatment Program for Adolescents in Iceland (NA)
- Modified Essential Frailty Toolset in Older Adults Undergoing Major Elective Surgery
- A Study of Doravirine/Islatravir in Healthy Lactating Females (MK-8591A-061) (PHASE1)
- Safety and Efficacy of a Switch to Doravirine/Islatravir in Participants With HIV-1 (MK-8591A-017) (PHASE3)
- Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Islatravir in Combination With Lenacapavir in Virologically Suppressed People With HIV (PHASE2)
- Oral ISL QM as PrEP in Cisgender Women at High Risk for HIV-1 Infection (MK-8591-022) (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- ISL CI brief — competitive landscape report
- ISL updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI