The Case for PrEP

The acronym stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, meaning the use of therapeutic drugs to prevent infection. In the absence of an HIV vaccine, here are three reasons PrEP may be the next best thing

1. Early data in animal studies strongly suggest the strategy is effective.

2. Glaxo's Combivir is already prescribed to prevent infections in men who take it after unprotected sex with an HIV-positive partner.

3. Some 74% of participants in a 2009 survey of gay men said they would use PrEP if it were available.