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France Just Became First Country Outside U.S. To Approve PrEP

"This decision should now open the way to the authorization of PrEP in other European countries."

France has become the first nation outside of the United States to approve the antiretroviral drug Truvada for use in preventing HIV.

The drug is used as a pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, to help prevent the transmission of the virus.

Health Minister Marisol Touraine announced that PrEP could be reimbursed through France's healthcare system by the beginning of next year, making the treatment free for those who need it.

“Given the level of efficacy of this approach," said Touraine, "which has been recognized by all national and international scientific experts in the battle against HIV/AIDS, I take the financial responsibility for this treatment, which can contribute to complete our global strategy against HIV and AIDS, so it can be available without financial restriction."

However, she added, "We can never say often enough that condoms are the best protection against HIV and other STIs...PrEP does not stop other STIs and, as a medicine, is not without adverse events."

For this reason, PrEP will be available under a French health measure called a Recommendation of Temporary Use “to individuals who cannot, for diverse reasons, use condoms systematically and who belong to groups where HIV incidence is very high."

Earlier this week, the Center for Disease Control released a report that found 1 in 4 gay men in the U.S. should be on PrEP.

h/t: Gay Star News

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