HIV Prevention Pill’s Approval Could Signal ‘Radical’ New Phase in 30-Year Fight Against AIDS
Condoms and other safe-sex practices have accomplished only so much. Now the 30-year battle against AIDS is on the verge of a radical new phase, with the government expected to endorse a once-a-day pill to prevent infection with the virus.
Some doctors are already giving patients the drug, Truvada, to ward off infection. But Food and Drug Administration approval would expand that practice and could make the highly expensive medicine more affordable. Truvada costs around $11,000 to $14,000 a year.
Approval seems likely after an FDA advisory panel Thursday endorsed the use of Truvada for prevention.
In the generation-long fight against AIDS, “it’s the first time we have talked about a medication for prevention of HIV,” said Dr. Lisa Sterman of Francisco, who treats HIV-positive patients.
“With this recommendation, we’re nearing a watershed moment in our fight against HIV,” said James Loduca, a spokesman for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. “We know this isn’t a magic bullet, and it’s not going to be the right prevention strategy for everyone, but it could save thousands of lives in the United States and potentially millions around the world.”