To the Editor:
A robust discussion is underway about the potential use of anti-HIV drugs to prevent HIV infection (also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP). Our study, called iPrEx, provided the first evidence that the daily use of PrEP with the FDA-approved HIV treatment Truvada can significantly reduce HIV infection risk in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women.
Recently, a private healthcare provider began a paid advertising campaign urging the FDA not to even consider approving PrEP — charging that MSM will stop using condoms if PrEP is permitted.
The pros and cons of PrEP use should be vigorously debated — but that debate should be based on facts, rather than the assumption that MSM will not act to protect themselves and others from infection. Here are the facts about the iPrEX study: