PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Project Inform helps lead new PrEP working group

September 16, 2008

Project Inform recently expanded its mission to include advocating for biomedical prevention strategies that could reduce new HIV infections. In our first major effort since this expansion, we have taken a leadership role in a new national working group addressing issues related to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
                 
PrEP is an HIV prevention strategy currently being studied in the United States and around the world. It is focused on high risk HIV-negative individuals. Under PrEP, an HIV-negative person would take an HIV antiretroviral drug (or a combination) on a daily basis, with a goal of reducing the risk of HIV transmission. Initial data from studies are expected next year, and there is optimism that this could be an important addition to the arsenal of HIV interventions, particularly for high-risk individuals.

The PrEP Committee was formed by CHAMP (Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project) and is composed of researchers and community advocates, including the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, the Global Campaign for Microbicides, and the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors. Our goal is to create a proactive strategy to address PrEP-related issues and concerns. We are focusing on three areas:

• Research, including community acceptability
• Community education and engagement
• Financing, access and delivery

The PrEP Committee is currently designing community educational materials and advocating for adequate funding of PrEP clinical trials. We are reaching out to key stakeholders, including sexual/reproductive health advocates and leaders in communities with high HIV risk levels to engage them in a dialogue about the potential of PrEP. We will also develop a comprehensive “call to action” document outlining key questions and concerns that must be addressed.

You can read more about the PrEP Committee and our goals. For more information about PrEP clinical trials, read the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition’s “PrEP Watch”.