S6.4 Antiretroviral chemoprophylaxis: new opportunities and new challenges

Abstract

With the success of the CAPRISA 004 study of 1% tenofovir vaginal gel in South African women, and the iPrEx study of the use of oral co-formulated tenofovir-emtricitabine in an international cohort of MSM, it is clear that chemoprophylaxis may be able to enhance current HIV prevention efforts. However, multiple questions remain, including which mode of drug delivery is likely to be most effective for each population, and which drugs are the preferred ones to use. Other major questions include the feasibility of using a rectal formulation to prevent HIV transmission, and what is the most parsimonious way to dose these medications, in order to save costs and to minimise toxicities. This presentation will review the data from recently completed trials, will summarise the status of other studies underway, will discuss the gaps in our knowledge, and will discuss the responses of medical care providers and high risk populations to the news of PreP efficacy. Clearly, the field is in its infancy, but offers promises for epidemic control.