FDA approves first generic of drug for prevention of HIV and to treat HIV-1

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generic version of  Gilead’s Truvada for the treatment of HIV-1, in combination with other antiretroviral agents, and for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in combination with safer sex practices to prevent sexually-acquired HIV infection in adults at high risk.

FDA said that PrEP may be part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy that includes safer sex practices, such as consistent and correct condom use, regular HIV testing and risk reduction counseling. As part of PrEP, HIV-uninfected individuals who are at high risk of sexually acquired HIV infection take antiretroviral medication daily to try to lower their chances of becoming infected with HIV if they are exposed to the virus.