Central Coast takes part in drug trials which give hope in battle to prevent HIV
It’s the blue pill that could eliminate HIV in Australia within four years.
Central Coast
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It’s the blue pill that could eliminate HIV in Australia within four years.
The antiretroviral treatment, which is to be taken by people at highest risk of HIV infection, is one of the most significant advances in the continuing effort to eliminate transmission of HIV.
International clinical trials have proven that when taken once a day, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can reduce the risk of infection by up to 90 per cent.
And it’s as easy as taking the contraceptive pill.
In all, 3700 Australians will be taking part in the first ever EPIC NSW (Expanded PrEP Implementation in Communities in NSW) PrEP trial that allows participants to access the drug for free at more than 20 sites across NSW, including the Holden Street Sexual Health Clinic at Gosford.
If all goes well, the drug could be on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme within a couple of years.
This week the Holden Street Sexual Health Clinic will accept participants into the trial of PrEP which was traditionally used to treat HIV infection, but is now also used to prevent the infection in those at high risk of the virus.
Studies have shown PrEP is safe and very effective, offering up to 99 per cent protection for homosexually active men and 94 per cent protection for women, if taken every day.
Central Coast District medical director of HIV and Related Programs Dr Debbie Allen said the EPIC-NSW trial was a big step forward.
Dr Allen said the Gosford clinic would have up to 50 places available.
“Modern treatments for HIV both dramatically improve the outlook for people with the virus, and help to prevent its transmission,’’ Dr Allen said.
“Providing PrEP for HIV negative people who are at the highest risk of becoming HIV infected could potentially halve the number of new HIV infections each year.”
Dr Allen said attitudes towards the illness and treatment of HIV had changed dramatically over the years.
“People used to focus on the bad aspects of HIV and even panicked about it,’’ she said.
“But the treatments are much better now than when HIV first became prevalent and people are living close to a normal life because of that.’’
Details: the EPIC-NSW Study website at epic-nswstudy.org.au.
FIND OUT MORE
Central Coast people are invited to an EPIC Forum to find out more about accessing PrEP and its implications for HIV prevention. A panel discussion will include local HIV specialists, HIV educators and PrEP users
The forum will be held on June 28 from 6.30-9pm at the Regional Youth Services, Art Warehouse, 123 Donnison St, Gosford
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