Population Council Research that makes a difference

Population Council Applauds FDA Committee Recommendation on PrEP for HIV Prevention

The Population Council applauds the recommendation by an FDA advisory committee that emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF/FTC or Truvada) be approved for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection among sexually active adult men and women. "This represents an important step forward in providing additional HIV prevention options to women and men," said vice president Naomi Rutenberg, who oversees the Council's HIV and AIDS program. "The Council urges the FDA to follow the recommendation from its advisory committee and approve PrEP in order to support its safe and effective use."

The Population Council confronts difficult issues facing people in the developing world, from stopping the spread of HIV to expanding contraceptive choices. We are developing vaginal and rectal microbicides to protect women and men against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. In addition, the Council is developing combined microbicide/contraceptive products, which also provide protection against unintended pregnancy. Our comprehensive approach to microbicides development comprises all aspects of research, from the laboratory to the field, product introduction, and public education.

For more information about the committee's recommendation, read The New York Times coverage (offsite link). For more information about the Council's HIV prevention work, visit http://www.popcouncil.org/topics/microbicides.asp

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About the Population Council
The Population Council confronts critical health and development issues—from stopping the spread of HIV to improving reproductive health and ensuring that young people lead full and productive lives. Through biomedical, social science, and public health research in 50 countries, we work with our partners to deliver solutions that lead to more effective policies, programs, and technologies that improve lives around the world. Established in 1952 and headquartered in New York, the Council is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization governed by an international board of trustees.

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Media contact

Diane Rubino: drubino@popcouncil.org; +1 212 339 0617