Pre-exposure prophylaxis, abbreviated as PrEP, is a prevention strategy which has been scientifically proven to be able to stop new HIV infections, as already indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The usual regimen for PrEP is take a pill daily against the AIDS virus (HIV), within a comprehensive program that includes individualized preventive advice; control of adverse effects; the detection of a possible consumption of toxins; updating vaccination, and screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Since 2019, the National Health System (SNS) includes this prophylaxis for populations at risk of contracting the infection in its portfolio of services.
However, the success of the strategy requires strict compliance in taking the oral antiretroviral. they glimpse new optionssuch as injectable drugs long acting that they could ensure adherence.
Another option investigated in this line of prolonged PrEP is that of subcutaneous implants. A new study published today in Science Translational Medicine shows in non-human primates the viability of a subcutaneous implant that releases the drug in the concentrations necessary to protect against infection for at least 20 months.