FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Cub Barrett, Program Communications Manager
(212) 806-1602
NEW
YORK, May 11, 2012—amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research on Friday applauded
the recommendation by an FDA advisory panel to approve the antiretroviral drug Truvada
as an option for HIV prevention.
In light
of the panel’s recommendation, amfAR now calls on the FDA to issue an approval
for Truvada as PrEP without delay. In testimony before the advisory panel
yesterday, amfAR also emphasized the need for demonstration projects to
determine how PrEP can be used for optimal public health impact, and for policy
measures and education initiatives to ensure those who could most benefit from
PrEP have access to it.
Several
clinical trials over the past few years have shown that Truvada, which is
currently approved for HIV treatment, can also help prevent infection in
sexually active adults. Truvada,
manufactured by Gilead Sciences Inc., was studied in several major trials that
demonstrated that the once-daily pill, when taken consistently, significantly
reduces the chances of acquiring HIV.
“We need
new tools as part of a comprehensive approach to reduce HIV infection rates in
the United States and globally,” said amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost. “Truvada,
when taken as directed, works. The FDA panel’s recommendation recognizes that
this is the type of innovative science we need right now if we want to change
the course of the epidemic.”
“Our
challenge now is to understand how to use PrEP effectively to tackle HIV
incidence worldwide,” said Chris Collins, amfAR’s vice president and director
of public policy. “PrEP is certainly not for everyone, but delivered in a
targeted way and as part of a comprehensive approach that includes other
evidence-based interventions like AIDS treatment, condoms, education, syringe
exchange, and male circumcision, PrEP may play an important role in beginning
to end the AIDS epidemic.”
The FDA
is expected to make its decision in June. In the meantime, many advocates have begun
to focus on how use of Truvada as a prevention tool could be implemented in the
U.S.
About
amfAR
amfAR,
The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit
organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention,
treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy.
Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $366 million in its programs and has
awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.
Click here for amfAR statement to the FDA.