London, January 27: A new drug combo, consisting of medications commonly used to fight HIV/AIDS, has shown promising results in protecting individuals against the disease.
According to a study published in PloS One, Truvada, a combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine, prevents HIV infection through major routes of transmission in mice with “humanized” immune systems.
The drug is believed to produce pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) through preventing the virus from creating more viruses in the body.
Scientists hope their finding will help save many individuals from becoming infected with the life-threatening disease.
They believe the drug can also be used to prevent possible infection commonly reported in healthcare providers after being pricked by possibly contaminated needles.
“One single pill once a day, totally available in the pharmacy for patients, can be used to prevent transmission by any mode anywhere in the world,” said lead researcher J. Victor Garcia-Martinez.
—-Agencies