In August 2006, it was announced that an experimental integrase inhibitor (MK-0518 from Merck) works well in triple drug combination therapy. MK-0518 was given in combination with tenofovir (Viread) and  lamivudine (Epivir). 198 patients took either this combination or a routinely prescribed HAART combination that contained tenofovir, lamivudine and efavirenz (Sustiva). Both combinations lowered the viral load.