AIDS2016- All about the Prep part 2

J-M Molina this morning presented the Ipergay extension study results. Participants of Ipergay were offered to go onto an open label extension study to remain on episodic use of Prep. Ipergay was the placebo controlled study of use of truvada 2-24 hours before and 24 and 48 hours after sex as Prep. Some new participants were also enrolled. There were 362 participants. There was 1 HIV seroconversion in a person who was not taking the Prep. The mean pills per month taken was 18, There was no significant increase in number of sexual partners. Self-reported adherence was slightly improved. There was a significant reduction in comdomless receptive anal sex, but the STI rate remianed the same. 

This study is very assuring for us in Australia as there are several such programmes that either have or about to begin. It is good to know that we should expect high levels of risk reduction with Prep, even though there is still active debate about episodic vs daily Prep. It would appear that episodic Prep is also very effective.

There were also many posters on Prep displayed today. INterestingly, there was a study from Amsterdam comparing acceptability of episodic versus daily Prep. 73% of participants preferred daily Prep. These men tended to be younge and had more sex. 

I think it would be good to have both options but I suppose patients may do it anyway.

Another poster from Thailand using Prep in MSM found it feasible as they were able to deliver Prep for USD1- which includes cost of their generic drug and associated services. I am to sure if this was a daily cost or per visit cost.

Many Prep posters about acceptability in many settings around the world- some in MSM, some in young females, some about newer topical methods, All ver promising for the future and nice to see many places taking Prep seriously as a method of eliminating new HIV infections