U.S. experts seek FDA approval for first AIDS prevention pill

Washington, D.C., United States (AHN) – A panel of health advisors recommended Thursday the United States Food and Drug Administration approve the first preventive pill for HIV/AIDS.

Gilead Sciences created the pill called Truvada.

The FDA, which is not bound to accept the expert panel’s recommendation, is likely to give its verdict in the middle of next month. The FDA usually follows the advice by the experts.

Some three dozen healthcare providers expressed their concerns over the possible risks attached to the drug, insisting that it could lead to a drug resistant strain of HIV. Their comments came during an 11-hour meeting.

However, supporters of the drug said it could be another prevention tool against HIV. “This brings us closer to a watershed for global HIV prevention efforts,” said Mitchell Warren, executive director of the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition.

He added, “For the millions of men and women who remain at risk for HIV worldwide, each new HIV prevention option offers additional hope.”

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