Truvada

Truvada / Tenofovir is the first drug shown to prevent HIV infection has won the endorsement of a panel of US federal advisers, clearing the way for a landmark approval in the 30-year fight against the virus that causes AIDS. The Food and Drug Administration advisory panel has recommended approval of the daily pill Truvada for healthy people who are at high risk of contracting HIV, including gay and bisexual men and heterosexual couples with one HIV-positive partner.

Truvada is a trademark of drug Tenofovir / emtricitabine. The medication is a combination of two older HIV drugs, Emtriva and Viread, trade names of two antiretroviral drugs used for the treatment of HIV. It consists of 300 milligrams of tenofovir and 200 milligrams of emtricitabine. By combining the two agents into one tablet, it reduces the pill burden and increases compliance with antiretroviral therapy. The drug has also found some potential as a preventative measure if taken daily or weekly leading up to exposure, though human clinical trials are ongoing.