CROI 2014: The Science of PrEP
There is to date one approved oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis antiretroviral medication that can prevent HIV infection if taken regularly. Alternatives in development presented at CROI include topical agents, injectable agents, and alternative oral agents that could be used for pre-exposure prophylaxis. Knowing that PrEP can work to prevent infection leaves the NIH and CDC with the following challenges: How do we determine who will benefit most from PrEP? How can we provide equitable access that makes it affordable and ensures the adherence that is required in order for PrEP to be used in a way that is effective? How do we help providers feel comfortable prescribing it and consumers feel comfortable using it responsibly? Incorporating PrEP into primary care is the next big challenge for the existing technology, while the R&D industry continues to pursue new opportunities to improve the usability of alternative technologies.