The Kirby Institute at UNSW welcomes the announcement that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the use of Truvada, an antiretroviral therapy currently used to treat HIV, to be prescribed in Australia as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for people who are HIV negative but at high-risk of contracting the virus. “For a fraction of the cost of treating someone for HIV, PrEP has the potential to prevent hundreds of new HIV infections in Australia. This is why PrEP is a game-changer in HIV prevention. TGA approval of Truvada for PrEP is a vital step in ensuring that people who want to use PrEP can access it.” Director of the Kirby Institute, Professor David Cooper has been working in HIV prevention and treatment for more than 30 years. “For the first time since the beginning of the epidemic we are realistically talking about ending HIV transmission in Australia,” said Professor Cooper. “This is an exciting time for HIV prevention.” “The next step is to ensure that the treatment is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme so that it is affordable and provides equitable access to those who need it,” said Professor Cooper. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee is considering funding Truvada for PrEP at its July meeting. "Without PBS listing, this is a wasted tool. The government must urgently fund PrEP in order to prevent many of the 1,100 HIV diagnoses that occur every year." About the Kirby Institute The Kirby Institute at UNSW Australia is one of Australia’s premier infectious diseases research institutes. Based in Sydney, the Kirby Institute is funded by the Australian Government to conduct research into the HIV epidemic, viral hepatitis, blood-borne viruses, and sexually transmissible infections in Australia. The Kirby Institute is a centre of UNSW Medicine. |
The Kirby Institute at UNSW has welcomed the Therapeutic Goods Administration's approval of antiretroviral drug Truvada as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Australia.

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