Viread data points to role in HIV prevention

A new study of Viread in Africa demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing the transmission of HIV. The statistical difference between Viread and a placebo in preventing the spread of HIV was too small to prove compelling, but researchers say that given the results the drug may quickly become a key weapon in the fight against AIDS. The test involved 859 women in Africa, many of whom work as prostitutes--a high-risk group. Two of the women in the Viread group were infected during the trial compared to six in the placebo group. Researchers note that counseling women on the use of condoms and prevention reduced the average rate of infection in the placebo group 50 percent.

- here's the report on Viread from Medical News Today

PLUS: Bill Gates, who has already contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the field, says he plans to increase the amount he's giving for prevention research. But he also wants governments and others to step up their contributions as well. Report