New York, April 19: Scientists seem to have hit the snag with regards to their attempt to test an AIDS prevention pill. The scientists say it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine the efficiency of the drug.
The drug, Truvada, which was manufactured by Gilead Sciences Ltd, showed great potential when it was tested in gay and heterosexuals last year. The researchers were hoping that the result would be positive in women as well so it was tested on African women. However the researchers say partial results showed that the drug had no effect on the risk of women contracting HIV from their partner.
3,900 people were recruited in three African countries for the study. The research was carried out by the non-profit organization Family Health International. The women who were recruited from Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa were divided into two groups. They were then given a pill-a-day of Truvada or a dummy pill.
FHI released preliminary report of the studies. The report which was released on Monday showed that there were 28 new cases of HIV in each group proving that the drug was not providing any assistance in the protection against HIV/AIDS.
The study’s sponsors include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
–Agencies–