Chicago Team Responds to HIV Drug Study

Chicago researchers and advocates are encouraged by the results of a recent trial using an HIV drug to prevent HIV infection. In a study population of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women who have sex with men, researchers combined HIV testing, prevention counseling, condoms, and STD testing and treatment with once-daily emtricitabine and tenofovir (Truvada). The regimen reduced the risk of acquiring HIV by 43.8 percent, and by 72.8 percent among those with at least 90 percent adherence.

Given the disproportionate impact of HIV in Chicago among MSM, "we are extremely excited," said Sybil Hosek, co-principal investigator of Project PrEPare, which is designed to test the acceptability and feasibility of pre-exposure prophylaxis among young MSM locally. "We must remember, however, that this is only the first step in determining whether or not PrEP could become a part of a comprehensive HIV prevention package in the real world," she said.

"We don't want people, especially our young people, getting the idea that it's as simple as taking a pill a day to prevent HIV," said Margo Bell, MD, Project PrEPare's co-principal investigator. "It's just not that simple."

"Moving forward, it will be critical that we get to some of the unanswered questions around the use of PrEP among young MSM in the US through studies like Project PrEPare," said Keith Green, project director.

AIDS Foundation of Chicago's director of advocacy, Jim Pickett, on Wednesday co-facilitated a community discussion about the international PrEP study, called iPrEX, and the future of Project PrEPare.

For more information on Project PrEPare, telephone Keith Green at 773-864-8003 or visit www.projectpreparechicago.org.

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