Global pharmaceutical company, Mylan, is joining in the battle to prevent HIV infection by delivering the world’s biggest pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation trial, which will target an estimated 10,000 high risk people.
HIV virus
The three-year trial, which will be funded by NHS England, is designed to assess the full additional potential of PrEP by gathering clinical evidence on optimal targeting, update and implementation on a large scale.
Sexual health clinics in London, Brighton, Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield have already started enrolling participants and further cities are expected to join next year. Mylan, after winning an internationally competitive tender, was chosen to be the only company providing the antiretrovirals (ARVs) for the trial.
“The impact of this complex illness has been widespread and devastating; more than 70 million people have been infected and 35 million have died from HIV since the epidemic began,” said president of Mylan Europe, Jacek Glinka. “We all know the saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ and this is never more true than when we discuss HIV and AIDS. The NHS PrEP trial offers hope, not only to those participating in the trial, but for the millions around the world who stand to benefit from the results. While treatment for those living with HIV is crucial, the importance of breaking new ground with preventative medication to reduce infection rates can’t be underestimated. We see this trial as a huge step forward in the battle against HIV and are delighted to be involved.”