Study gives 2,600 access to PrEP

ALFRED Health will take enrolments for a PrEP study from July 26 for eligible Melbourne residents.

PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis is one of many tools in an arsenal designed to combat HIV. It’s an antiretovirial drug that’s taken regularly by someone who is HIV negative to protect against exposure.

The Alfred Health trial will give 2,600 people access, according to lead researcher Dr Edwina Wright.

“The necessary approvals are in place and now we are asking people interested in the trial to make an appointment at a PrEPX listed site or clinic,” Dr Wright said in a statement.

There’s a certain criteria that must be met by candidates in order to be deemed eligible.

“All gay, bisexual, transgender, heterosexual people or people who inject drugs who are at risk of HIV are eligible to enrol,” Dr Wright said.

“This is an important study for the community.”

The study’s intention is to examine the impact of expanding PrEP use on the rates of new HIV infections.

A list of other requirements to determine suitability is listed on the study’s website.

The study is sponsored by the Victorian Government, Alfred Health, and the Victorian AIDS Council.