NEW YORK CITY: Harlem Group Begins Study On HIV Prevention Using Truvada

Over the objections of some activists, in July 2012 the FDA approved the use of Truvada as a daily HIV preventive for some high-risk populations. Harlem Prevention Center has launched a study which will evaluate if taking the drug less frequently will also be effective. Via press release:

HPTN 067, also known as The ADAPT Study, is a unique study looking at the use of non-daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a new HIV prevention method in which people who are HIV-negative take HIV treatment drugs (antiretrovirals – ARVs) daily to reduce their risk of becoming HIV-infected. The study is designed to identify PrEP pill-taking schedules that participants are more likely to follow and determine if these schedules influence healthier sexual practices. HPTN 067/ADAPT is coordinated by the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) and is sponsored and funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Participants will be randomly divided into the above-posted three groups and all will be provided with HIV risk reduction counseling and condoms. The study is also underway in Thailand and the Harlem Prevention Center is seeking 180 local MSM and transgender women to participate.  For more information please visit the study’s Facebook page, Twitter feed, or call them directly at 888-460-9817.