International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

A treatment that is used to control HIV infections has moved one step closer to becoming a preventative measure.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has noted that Gilead Sciences' Truvada appears to be a safe and effective means of blocking HIV transmission.

According to the FDA, such a preventative treatment could be administered as a pill to stop individuals from contracting the virus in the first place.

It said that Truvada could help people sidestep a condition that requires "lifelong treatment".

Speaking to the Associated Press, Ronald Johnson, AIDS United's vice president, said the drug, which could revolutionise the way in which African nations deal with the HIV epidemic, should be approved by the FDA as soon as possible.

His organisation received the support of 12 other HIV/AIDS charities, who all expect the drug to be made available in the States very soon.

Mr Johnson said: "If we're going to reduce the more than 50,000 new HIV infections in [the US] each year, we need to increase the available options for people."

Posted by David Smith