FDA Approves First , Injectable HIV PrEP Drug.<br />On Dec. 20, the FDA approved a new drug called Apretude.<br />It is used as pre-exposure prevention (PrEP) against HIV.<br />The long-acting injectable medication is the first of its kind.<br />Apretude is given every two months as opposed to pills like Truvada and Descovy, which are taken daily.<br />FDA trials also found the injection to be more effective than the pills in reducing HIV infection. .<br />FDA trials also found the injection to be more effective than the pills in reducing HIV infection. .<br />Today’s approval adds an important tool in the effort to end the HIV epidemic by providing the first option to prevent HIV that does not involve taking a daily pill, Dr. Debra Birnkrant, the director of antivirals division at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, via statement.<br />This injection, given every two months, will be critical to addressing the HIV epidemic in the U.S., including helping high-risk individuals and certain groups where adherence to daily medication has been a major challenge or not a realistic option, Dr. Debra Birnkrant, the director of antivirals division at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, via statement.<br />According to the CDC, last year, only 25% of the estimated 1.2 million people PrEP is recommended for were prescribed treatment.<br />Advocates hope the new injectable option will increase PrEP usage and lower HIV infections
