6 MAY 2016 — The Victorian AIDS Council (VAC)
The Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) has welcomed the news today that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the drug Truvada for use as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) in Australia.
TGA approval means doctors in Australia no longer have to prescribe Truvada as PrEP “off-label”, that is, for something other than its previously-approved use as a medication to treat HIV. More importantly, TGA approval is a necessary step towards the eventual listing of PrEP on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
VAC CEO Simon Ruth said the news brings Australia one step closer to affordable, accessible PrEP. “TGA approval is a huge step forward, but there is still a lot of work to do. Over the coming months we will be continuing our work with other community organisations and advocates to ensure PrEP is listed on the PBS, providing subsidised access for those who need it,” he said.
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