FDA approves first pill to help prevent HIV

[Hum]

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the first drug shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection, a milestone in the 30-year battle against the virus that causes AIDS.

The agency approved Gilead Sciences' pill Truvada as a preventive measure for people who are at high risk of acquiring HIV through sexual activity, such as those who have HIV-infected partners.

Public health advocates say the approval could help slow the spread of HIV, which has held steady at about 50,000 new infections per year for the last 15 years. An estimated 1.2 million Americans have HIV, which develops into AIDS unless treated with antiviral drugs. With an estimated 240,000 HIV carriers unaware of their status, doctors and patients say new methods are needed to fight the spread of the virus.

Gilead Sciences Inc. has marketed Truvada since 2004 as a treatment for people who are already infected with the virus.

But starting in 2010, studies showed that the drug could actually prevent people from contracting HIV when used as a precautionary measure. A three-year study found that daily doses cut the risk of infection in healthy gay and bisexual men by 42 percent, when accompanied by condoms and counseling.

Last year another study found that Truvada reduced infection by 75 percent in heterosexual couples in which one partner was infected with HIV and the other was not.

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[Growled Member]

Finally, a glimmer of hope.

[Scorbing]

I really hope this works and helps prevent this horrible disease from killing any more people. Let's hope for the best until the Vaccine arrives in 2019 like they are promising.

[Draconian Guppy]

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the first drug shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection, a milestone in the 30-year battle against the virus that causes AIDS.

The agency approved Gilead Sciences' pill Truvada as a preventive measure for people who are at high risk of acquiring HIV through sexual activity, such as those who have HIV-infected partners.

Public health advocates say the approval could help slow the spread of HIV, which has held steady at about 50,000 new infections per year for the last 15 years. An estimated 1.2 million Americans have HIV, which develops into AIDS unless treated with antiviral drugs. With an estimated 240,000 HIV carriers unaware of their status, doctors and patients say new methods are needed to fight the spread of the virus.

Gilead Sciences Inc. has marketed Truvada since 2004 as a treatment for people who are already infected with the virus.

But starting in 2010, studies showed that the drug could actually prevent people from contracting HIV when used as a precautionary measure. A three-year study found that daily doses cut the risk of infection in healthy gay and bisexual men by 42 percent, when accompanied by condoms and counseling.

Last year another study found that Truvada reduced infection by 75 percent in heterosexual couples in which one partner was infected with HIV and the other was not.

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So whats the actual percentage when not using a condom?

[Hum]

^ I would think that is a high majority that do not use condoms.

I often hear comments about how guys do not like to use one.

[Gotenks98]

Calling shenanigans on this, how about just watching where you stick your dick in the first place? Is it that hard to do? I could see if your spouse cheated and you got it but in that case you just need to give up sex because you are a liability at that point. On the point about the condoms thing I can totally understand that, I hate them with a passion. Sensation is there but its just not the same thing. Its like trying to touch someone while in a hazmat suit.

[Scorbing]

So whats the actual percentage when not using a condom?

Let's ask Elton John

[M_Lyons10]

Let's ask Elton John

Huh?

This is definitely a good step, however I have concerns. First off, I worry that this will cause people to be less careful. So right there, since it is not 100% some people could still get sick. And depending on how many people aren't careful, more people could actually get sick. Who knows? Second, I have seen some studies that actually showed a higher rate of contraction in women than without. Now granted, polling and sample size could certainly have played a part there, I don't know that this drug has been studied enough.

[neoadorable]

this is very good news and i hope we are on the path to finally eliminating this disease and saving many lives. as for condoms, yes, they are problematic.

[tiagosilva29]

Let's ask Elton John.

I don't care, long as I got your love.