28th April 2017

HIV Prep drug trial backed by minister Vaughan Gething

A “game-changing” drug which dramatically cuts the chances of HIV infection will be provided in Wales as part of a three year trial.

This is despite the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) advising the Welsh Government not to fund Prep on cost-effectiveness grounds.

But Vaughan Gething has announced that during the research period “those for whom the drug is clinically appropriate can access it”.

The trial will begin this summer.

An independent HIV expert group had already called the drug, which has got the go-ahead in Scotland, “highly effective” when used with the right groups and in the right doses.

AWMSG had said there were “several uncertainties and limitations” in the economic model provided by the drug company.

The Terrence Higgins Trust in Wales had called the AWMSG recommendation earlier this week “short-sighted,” saying Prep could save the NHS money in the long term.

Mr Gething said there was no doubt that Prep – or Truvada – reduced rates of HIV infection when taken correctly and supported by wider, preventative sexual health services.

“The study will help us to learn how best to provide the preventative treatment to reduce risks of HIV transmission in Wales and answer some of the questions raised by the AWMSG around incidence rates,” he said.

“The AWMSG is a highly regarded, independent expert group. I acknowledge their advice that there are uncertainties regarding cost-effectiveness and that they have not recommended the drug for routine use within NHS Wales at this time.”

Cutting risk

Around 150 new people are diagnosed with HIV in Wales each year, nearly half from sexually transmitted infection between men.

A daily dose of the pill is suggested for people at high risk who might not have safe sex. One estimate is it might cost £2.5m a year in Wales.

It is currently used in the US, Canada, Australia and France.

Taken daily, it has been shown to reduce the risk of infection by 86%.

Neath AM Jeremy Miles, patron of LGBT Labour Wales, said: “We must take all appropriate action against preventable HIV transmission and the Welsh Government is listening to clinical experts who know the positive impact Prep could have alongside other measures to encourage safer sex.”