WASHINGTON – For the first time, a once-a-day pill which reduces the chance of contracting HIV among high-risk groups “significantly” has got a green signal in the US, where 1.2 million people are infected by the deadly disease.
The drug,’Truvada’ can now be used by those at high risk of the infection and anyone who may engage in sexual activity with HIV-infected partners, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced.
“In two large clinical trials, daily use of the drug was shown to significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection,” it said yesterday.
However, some health workers and groups active in the HIV community opposed the approval for the once-a-day pill. There are concerns that circulation of such a drug could engender a false sense of security and mean people will take more risks. There have also been fears that a drug-resistant strain of HIV could develop.
People diagnosed with HIV that without treatment develops into AIDS take antiviral medications to control the infection that attacks their immune system.
In a statement, the FDA stressed that the drug should be used as part of a “comprehensive HIV prevention plan”, including condom use and regular HIV testing.
An advisory group of health experts recommended approval for the pill in May this year.
