2018 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections
March 6, 2018 – A new CDC analysis suggests HIV prevention pill is not reaching most Americans who could benefit – especially people of color.
In the first detailed analysis by race and by risk group, CDC researchers found that only a small percentage of Americans who could potentially benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily HIV prevention pill, have been prescribed it. Furthermore, while two-thirds of people who could potentially benefit are African American or Latino, they account for the smallest percentage of prescriptions to date. The findings were presented today at the annual Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Boston by Dawn K. Smith, MD, MPH, MS, epidemiologist and medical officer in CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. Dr. Smith presented the new CDC estimates of PrEP needs and an examination of available data on PrEP prescriptions from a national database of prescriptions filled by commercial pharmacies in the United States.
Additionally, two CDC poster presentations illustrated research that found syringe services programs (SSPs) decreased injection-related risk behaviors, increased uptake of other key testing and prevention services, and increased disposal of syringes safely in a community experiencing a rapidly spreading HIV outbreak among people who inject drugs (PWID).
- Press Release: HIV prevention pill not reaching most Americans who could benefit – especially people of color
- Data Table: Estimated Number of Adults Who Could Potentially Benefit from PrEP, United States, 2015image icon
- Additional Studies of Interest: Select CDC Studies on the Impact of Syringe Services Programs Following a Rapidly Spreading HIV Outbreak
Graphics: CROI 2018 – PrEP
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In 2015, there were approximately 1.1 million Americans who could potentially benefit from PrEP: 500,000 African Americans, 300,000 Latinos, and 300,000 whites. However, analysis of available data on PrEP prescriptions finds that 7,000 prescriptions were filled at retail pharmacies or mail order services for African-Americans and only 7,600 for Latinos during a similar time period (September 2015- August 2016). While racial and ethnic data were not available for one-third of the prescription data, the analysis shows a substantial prevention need.
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“One of our most powerful tools for HIV prevention remains largely on pharmacy shelves. PrEP can be a potent prescription that strengthens prevention options for people who are at high risk for HIV infection.”
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“Closing gaps is an important step for PrEP. CDC is committed to equipping providers and all people living with and at risk for HIV with the information and support needed to maximize the impact of PrEP and all proven strategies.”
