Welsh report confirms PrEP drug ‘highly effective’

A review by the independent HIV Expert Group established by Public Health Wales has concluded that anti-HIV infection drug, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has ‘clear potential to prevent people catching the virus.

PrEP, which is not currently available on the Welsh NHS, was found to be ‘highly effective’ when used with the right groups and in the right doses with appropriate monitoring.

Anti-retroviral and post-exposure HIV drugs are already readily available, however, PrEP works to prevent HIV infection in people at high risk of the virus.

The news comes after NHS England announced plans for a large scale clinical trial in the 2017-18 financial year, following a court ruling which found the health service had the power to fund the drug.

Dr Giri Shankar of Public Health Wales and chair of the expert group said: "The review of evidence suggests that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is highly effective clinically when used in the right client groups and in the right dose with appropriate monitoring."

The report said that, while evidence emerging from clinical trials had been positive, ‘it remains to be seen how successful patients will be in adhering to the treatment in 'real-world', uncontrolled settings’.

"As such, it is of paramount importance that, regardless of whether PrEP is to be provided through the NHS, at the very least, the need for strengthened client and health professional education about PrEP is essential.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: "The Welsh Government commissioned the establishment of an independent HIV expert group to develop this report on the use of PrEP for the prevention of HIV.

"The AWMSG are due to consider the drug Truvada for use as PrEP by the end of April and will provide a recommendation in due course."