Doravirine is a new non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) developed by Merck & Co for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. The drug is approved in the USA both as a single-agent tablet (Pifeltro™) and as a fixed-dose combination tablet with the nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Delstrigo™). Each formulation is indicated in the USA for treating HIV-1 infection in adults with no prior antiretroviral treatment, has received a positive opinion in the EU for treating HIV-1 infection in adults without resistance to NNRTIs or (in the case of the fixed-dose combination tablet) lamivudine or tenofovir, and is also under regulatory review for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in Canada. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of doravirine leading to this first approval for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in treatment-naïve adults.