LONDON, Dec 3: A highly effective drug that reportedly prevents HIV infection has been validated by a study conducted on 24,000 people across England, according to a BBC report. The research, funded by NHS England and carried out at 157 sexual health clinics from October 2017 to July 2020, showed the drug, known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), reduced the risk of HIV transmission by around 86%, accounting for inconsistent or incorrect use in everyday life. Clinical trials suggest a 99% effectiveness rate.

The PrEP Impact Trial, led by the UK Health Security Agency and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, marked the largest real-world study of its kind. Dr. John Saunders, a consultant in sexual health and HIV, highlighted the trial's success in demonstrating PrEP's effectiveness on a large scale through routine sexual health services.

The Terrence Higgins Trust, an HIV charity, welcomed the study's findings but emphasized the need for increased access and awareness, particularly among certain minority groups. Debbie Laycock, head of policy, advocated for broader availability of PrEP in pharmacies and online to reach more individuals, including women who may be unaware of its existence.

Dr. Saunders acknowledged the clinical success of the drug and emphasized the study's contribution to understanding its usage patterns. He highlighted the importance of addressing factors affecting "real-world effectiveness," such as correct usage and duration of treatment, to encourage more people to benefit from PrEP.