U.S. approves “Truvada”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration showed green signal to an anti-HIV drug, Truvada, by pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences. It can now be used as prophylactic drug. However, many people are skeptic with the decision, particularly AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).
What is Truvada?
- Tenofovir/emtricitabine, trademark Truvada by Gilead Sciences.
- Truvada is an anti-HIV drug.
- It is a fixed-dose combination of 2 antiretroviral drugs (Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and Emtricitabine) used for the treatment of HIV. By blending the 2 antiretroviral drugs into one tablet, it cuts down the pill load and enhances conformity with antiretroviral therapy.
- Since 2004 it has been in use for the treatment of those already infected with the virus. However clinical studies showed that the drug could prevent people from contracting the infection.
- The drug could be a prophylactic measure for high-risk individuals such as those with HIV-positive partners — only when combined with sexual health counseling and the use of condoms.
Still what is the cause of concern for AHF?
- AHF is skeptic that if Truvada is used as a preventive medicine by infected individuals who have not yet been tested, it could result in formation of drug resistant strains. These strains might spread to their partners.
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Month: Current Affairs - July, 2012