FDA approves second drug, Descovy to prevent HIV infection

FDA approves second drug, Descovy to prevent HIV infection

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the 2nd drug to prevent HIV infection. On Feb 5, 2019, President Trump announced an initiative for ending the HIV Epidemic.

FDA approves second drug, Descovy to prevent HIV infection
           FDA approves second drug, Descovy to prevent HIV infection

FDA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. FDA is responsible for the safety and security of the USA’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

According to reports, Descovy is a drug that is a combination of emtricitabine 200 mg and tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg tablets. This drug will reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection which is caused due to unsafe sex.

Descovy is not indicated in individuals who have the risk of HIV-1 infection which is caused due to receptive vaginal sex.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

38,739 people received an HIV diagnosis in the U.S. in 2017.

Deputy Director of the Division of Antiviral Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Jeffrey Murray, M.D., M.P.H., stated

PrEP drugs are highly effective when taken as indicated in the drug labeling and can prevent HIV infection,

This approval provides more prevention options for certain patients at-risk for acquiring HIV and helps further efforts by the FDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to facilitate the development of HIV treatment and prevention options to reduce new HIV infections.

PrEP is an HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) prevention method. People who are not affected by HIV will be given medicine on a daily basis so that the risk of getting HIV is reduced if they get exposed to the Virus.

Descovy for PrEP is a part of a comprehensive strategy to administer safer sex practices, including condoms so that sexually acquired infections get reduced.

Descovy was similar to Truvada in reducing the risk of acquiring HIV-1 infection. FDA approved Descovy in 2016 itself in combination with other antiretroviral drugs for treating adults and pediatric patients affected by HIV-1 infection.

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