USPSTF recommends preexposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released a final grade A recommendation statement on preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV infection. The Task Force found that clinicians should offer PrEP to persons at high risk for HIV. The final recommendation statement is also in the June 11 online issue of JAMA.

In response to the USPSTF recommendation, PrEP drug maker Gilead Sciences, Inc. stated that the “A” recommendation would also help insured Americans at risk for HIV infection get access to PrEP medications with no out-of-pocket costs to them, as the Affordable Care Act requires that insurers provide preventive services with an “A” or “B” recommendation at no cost.

Also, Gilead recently announced it will donate up to 2.4 million bottles of HIV prevention medication annually to people without insurance up to 2030.

Gilead says it is working closely with community and government partners to increase awareness of PrEP and access to PrEP medications as part of the national effort to end the HIV epidemic. Approximately 200,000 of the estimated 1.1 million Americans who are at risk for HIV currently receive PrEP. The company says broader usage among at-risk populations continues to be hampered by significant social and structural barriers, such as HIV stigma, homophobia, limited awareness of PrEP among providers and patients, and overall lack of access to healthcare.

Following five years of declines, the annual number of new HIV diagnoses has remained stable in the United States since 2013. During 2016 and 2017, half of new diagnoses concentrated in 48 “hotspot” counties as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.