PrEP Impact participants to double to 26,000

Researchers are considering whether to increase the number of participants in the PrEP Impact trial from 13,000 to up to 26,000 by 2020 to match demand.

With over 10,000 participants already enrolled in this important HIV prevention measure, NHS England has said that the speed of recruitment and demand for PrEP has significantly exceeded initial expert predictions, now stating that recruitment needs to reach a ‘steady state’ to ensure the trial can scientifically inform the design and rollout of a full national programme.

Alongside an official request by the researchers to increase the number of participants to the end of the trial in 2020 from 13,000 to up to 26,000, NHS England said that the increase will be important for addressing emerging questions from the trial about the need for PrEP amongst women and other groups.

John Stewart, Director of Specialised Commissioning at NHS England said: “Through the PrEP trial, over 10,000 people are already receiving access to this important HIV prevention measure. The trial researchers have submitted a case for increasing trial places and NHS England will play its part in delivering on this recommendation by committing to fund additional places in line with existing funding arrangements. This will help ensure the learning from the trial is robust enough to fully inform the planning of a national PrEP programme in partnership with local authorities for the future, as well as protecting more people from HIV right now.”