FDA Panel Backs First Drug to Block HIV

Truvada, made by Gilead Sciences, is for healthy people at risk
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 10, 2012 6:28 PM CDT
FDA Panel Backs First Drug to Block HIV
A file photo of Gilead's Truvada pill.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

A panel of federal health advisers has endorsed the first drug shown to prevent HIV infection in healthy people, clearing the way for a potentially landmark approval in the 30-year-old effort against the virus that causes AIDS. In a series of votes, the FDA advisory panel 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-infected person.

The FDA is not required to follow the panel's advice, though it usually does. A final decision is expected by June 15. Drugmaker Gilead Sciences Inc. already markets Truvada as a treatment for people who are infected with HIV. (More AIDS stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X