Scotland becomes first place in the UK to make anti-HIV drug Prep available on the NHS
Scientists have found that a daily dose of the drug can protect people at risk of contracting the virus
SCOTLAND has become the first place in the UK to approve a “game-changing” anti-HIV drug.
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has agreed to make the treatment – knows as Prep – available on the NHS.
Scientists have found that a daily dose of the drug can protect people at risk of contracting the virus.
And campaigners have welcomed the introduction of the drug.
The Prep4Scotland Coalition said: “We applaud the SMC for taking this bold step to tackling HIV in Scotland.
“PrEP provides opportunities to reinvigorate how people at higher risk of HIV exposure engage with testing and prevention opportunities, and it is a vital opportunity to make a real reduction in the number of new HIV transmissions.”
“All NHS Boards in Scotland need to now follow the SMC’s advice and ensure they’re making PrEP available to those who need it, so that no-one at risk is left behind.”
It’s estimated that up to 1,900 people north of the border could benefit from the drug, which has the brand name Truvada and costs about £450 a month.
Robert McKay, National Director for Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland, said: “Today, Scotland has made history in the fight against the HIV epidemic.
“PrEP can now be used as a vital tool - alongside condom use, regular testing and early treatment - to help bring an end to HIV transmission in Scotland.
“Not only will this make a life-changing difference to individuals by protecting them from a lifelong and stigmatised condition, but for every person who would have become HIV positive without PrEP, NHS Scotland will save £360,000 in lifetime treatment costs.”
In December 2016 the drug’s manufacturers applied to the SMC to make Truvada, which is already used to treat HIV, available on the NHS in Scotland as a prevention treatment.
Following the submission, the coalition coordinated a Patient Group Submission to make sure that the voices of people who would benefit most from access to PrEP were represented.
More than 350 people responded to the consultation survey distributed by coalition members, with the vast majority in favour of making PrEP available.
Deborah Gold, Chief Executive at Nationall AIDS Trust (NAT), said: “NAT is delighted at the announcement that PrEP will be made available throughout Scotland within a matter of weeks.
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“This game-changing prevention tool has the potential to massively reduce HIV rates and turn Scotland into a model internationally of how to do HIV prevention well.
“The speed and decisiveness of the Scottish process contrasts starkly with delays in the other three UK nations.”
Gordon Garioch, 53, from Aberdeen, is already taking a generic version of PrEP which he buys online.
For him the news that it will be available on the NHS will make a real difference to his life.
“For me PrEP is a reassurance – I used to worry all the time. I have always been cautious, but some of my friends have been cautious and got HIV.
“Taking PrEP has allowed me to take control of my sexual health, and therefore both my physical and mental health
“As well, I feel by taking PrEP I am being responsible to myself, but I am also being responsible to my sexual partners.”
Grant Sugden, Chief Executive of Waverley Care, said: “This is a ground-breaking decision that has the potential to reduce new HIV infections and also improve the quality of life of at-risk communities in Scotland.
“HIV still looms large over the lives of many gay and bisexual men, with damaging consequences for their relationships, and their physical and emotional health.
“PrEP can play a role in addressing this, helping to rebuild confidence and self-esteem, and allowing men to lead healthier, happier lives.”
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