Inhibitors of histone deacetylase useful for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection

The USPTO issued Patent US12590099B2 to Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC on March 31, 2026, covering HDAC inhibitors for HIV treatment. The patent includes four claims relating to compounds of Formula I, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of using them to treat or prevent HIV infection in a subject. The inventors are Wensheng Yu, Joseph Kozlowski, Dane James Clausen, Jian Liu, Younong Yu, Ming Wang, and Bing Li.\n\nThis patent grant provides Merck with exclusive rights to the patented HDAC inhibitor compounds and treatment methods in the United States for the duration of the patent term. Third parties seeking to develop or commercialize similar HDAC inhibitors for HIV treatment may need to obtain a license from Merck or design around the patent claims. No immediate compliance actions are required by other entities.