FDA approves first drug to prevent HIV infection

The US Food and Drug Administration this week approved for the first time a drug for use in the prevention of HIV infection. The drug, Truvada, is one of the most commonly used components of an anti-HIV “cocktail” regimen in the United States and Europe.

Truvada is two drugs combined in a single pill, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. Its preventive use is commonly referred to as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Studies in different groups at high risk of infection have shown its efficacy.1

It was approved “to reduce the risk of HIV infection in uninfected individuals who are at high risk of HIV infection and who may engage in sexual activity with HIV-infected partners,” said Debra Birnkrant in a telephone press conference with reporters. She is director …