New drug can massively reduce the number of HIV infections in men

A small pill could help many gay and bisexual men
Even though HIV is no longer one of the most dreaded diseases today, millions of people in the world still suffer from the infectious disease. Often, homosexual and bisexual men are affected by HIV infection. Researchers have now developed a pill that could massively reduce the future of these types of problem groups.

Researchers at Emory University in Atlanta now found out in an investigation that a pill called Truvada could help reduce HIV in homosexual and bisexual men. According to the doctors, the pill could significantly reduce new cases in men. The experts published the results of their study in the journal "The Journal of Infectious Diseases".

For decades, experts have been looking for ways and means to reduce the number of HIV infections. Now, American researchers have developed a pill that might help effectively combat the problem. (Image: gamjai / fotolia.com)

New pill could drastically reduce the number of men suffering from HIV
Homosexuals and bisexual men are disproportionately infected with HIV. Especially in Eastern Europe, there are more and more HIV infections. But according to a new study, a small pill could help solve this problem. The drug could dramatically reduce the number of sick men within the next decade if administered to suitable men, the researchers explain. There have been many other studies in recent decades to find effective anti-HIV drugs. For example, physicians have already found antibodies that protect monkeys six months from HIV.

Unprotected reckless sex is still the main reason for an infection
More and more people in the world are infected with HIV infection through reckless sex. Of course men are no exception. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they will be spending the new drug on homosexual and bisexual men if they meet one of three important criteria, according to Fox News, the American news broadcaster.

Men have to meet specific criteria to receive the drug
Either the men must have had unprotected anal intercourse in a monogamous relationship with someone who has not been tested for HIV. Or they have unprotected traffic without living in a monogamous relationship, explain the doctors. The third important point for treatment with the new drug is that those affected have had intercourse with someone who has previously tested positive for HIV, the American experts add.

New drug could protect many men from getting sick
If forty percent of homosexual or bisexual men with an increased risk of HIV had access to this type of treatment, it could prevent approximately 1,162 infections in 100,000 men at risk, the researchers explain in their study ...

Truvada already approved in the US
Truvada consists of two combined antiretroviral drugs. Both drugs help to keep the human immunodeficiency virus in check, say the authors. The drug stops HIV multiplication in the victim's body. The new drug has already been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the experts add.

Only five to ten percent of men in the US have access to the drug so far
So far, unfortunately, it is sad reality that only five to ten percent of homosexual and bisexual men have access to the drug. Vulnerable men should be better informed about the drug. Only the right and regular intake of Truvada could help to significantly reduce the number of new cases in the future, explains principal author Samuel Jenness from Emory University in Atlanta. (As)