Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV: Evidence and Perspectives

Title:Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV: Evidence and Perspectives

Volume: 23 Issue: 18

Author(s): Georgios K. Nikolopoulos*, Eirini Christaki, Dimitrios Paraskevis and Stefanos Bonovas

Affiliation:

• Medical School, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box: 20537, Nicosia,Cyprus

Keywords: PrEP, prophylaxis, exposure, HIV, effectiveness, prevention.

Abstract: HIV remains an important public health issue worldwide. However, new prevention approaches have recently been developed and are very promising. Antiretroviral treatment as prevention, or as a prophylaxis after exposure to HIV, has been shown to reduce the likelihood of HIV acquisition. Over the last years, animal studies and randomized clinical trials in humans showed that antiretrovirals can also be efficacious and safe if used once daily, or intermittently, as prophylaxis before an individual is exposed to HIV (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis - PrEP). Fears about development of resistant strains have not been justified insofar given the accumulated evidence from research studies. Demonstration projects are ongoing and first results indicate that interests in the uptake of PrEP are high and adherence is satisfactory. Models suggest that PrEP could be a cost-effective or cost-saving approach under certain provisions including delivery to people at high risk of HIV infection, using less expensive medications, delivery in high HIV prevalence settings, short-term use for periods of higher risk, and evaluation in a longer-term period. The current review summarizes evidence on efficacy, safety and effectiveness of PrEP, and discusses future challenges and perspectives.

Cite this article as:

Nikolopoulos K. Georgios*, Christaki Eirini, Paraskevis Dimitrios and Bonovas Stefanos, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV: Evidence and Perspectives, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2017; 23 (18) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612823666170329145053