Current prevention tools are not succeeding in stopping the spread of HIV and if we are to tackle the pandemic effectively then we need to develop new prevention options.

New prevention technologies (NPTs) are tools that are currently being researched and developed. These include HIV vaccines, microbicides and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP). Just as no single drug or medical approach is effective in treating a person living with HIV, a combination approach is needed to help people prevent HIV transmission. NPTs are not designed to end, for example condom use, but to provide people with real choices which meet their different and changing needs. When developed, widespread availability and accessability of NPTs could dramatically increase the impact of current HIV prevention strategies and open the possibility of bringing the HIV and AIDS pandemic to an end. Scientists predict that if everyone eligible received a combination of NPTs and effective treatment then there would be over 90% reduction in infections.

Annual NPTs Update Meeting, 18 May 2010

NAT held its annual meeting on NPTs development on Tuesday morning 18 May 2010, World AIDS Vaccine Day, in central London. This meeting provided an update on the latest scientific developments, as well as the opportunity to pose questions to experts working in the field and discuss key issues, including upcoming trial results. 

The meeting looked at NPTs in a wider context, taking into account the new political environment in the UK, and discussing issues such as how NPTs can help advance the Millennium Development Goals. The meeting attracted a range of attendees including journalists, scientists and civil society representatives from organisations working on HIV, sexual and reproductive health, gender, and international development.

You can read a report of the meeting in Developments in New Tools to Prevent HIV.

HIV vaccines

Vaccines are arguably the most effective public health response to infectious disease. They are substances that stimulate the body's immune system to recognise and protect against a disease caused by a virus.

Not yet available, HIV vaccines are being researched and developed. Developing a safe, effective, affordable and globally accessible HIV vaccine could save millions of lives and is potentially the world's best hope of ending the global HIV pandemic. For further information please read our factsheet on HIV vaccines

As the UK partner of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, NAT currently works to raise awareness and additional political and financial support for the development of HIV vaccines among opinion formers and decision makers in the UK.

Microbicides

Microbicides are substances designed to be applied internally (vaginally or rectally) to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Not yet available, microbicides are being researched and developed, and could exist in a number of delivery forms including gel, cream, vaginal tablet or timed-release vaginal ring.

A recent trial of a microbicide gel using a proven anti-retroviral drug showed that it did help prevent HIV infection in women. There are more trials currently taking place but it is likely that a microbicide will not be available for widespread use for a number of years.

An effective microbicide would be of particular benefit to women in developing countries, who are disproportionately affected by HIV and may be unable to negotiate condom use.  For further information please read our fact sheet on microbicides.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP is the theory that taking antiretroviral drugs (drugs which help treat HIV) before being exposed to HIV can stop someone from becoming infected with HIV.

In November 2010, it was announced that we now have first proof of concept for PrEP. Results from the iPrEx (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Initiative) clinical trial showed that taking an oral antiretroviral (in this case, Truvada) once a day, led to a 44 percent reduced risk of becoming infected with HIV. The trial also showed that people who took the drug most consistently had greater protection against HIV than those who were less consistent in their use.

This first proof of concept for PrEP and marks another exciting milestone in the field of research into new HIV prevention tools.  For further information look at the AVAC website.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a means of preventing HIV transmission after having been exposed to the virus. It is a four-week course of antiretroviral drugs and should be taken as soon as possible (but no later than 72 hours) after potential exposure to HIV to have a chance of stopping infection occurring. It is important to note that PEP is not 100 per cent effective and can have significant side effects. It is widely available to health care workers who have been exposed to HIV at work through, for example, needle stick injuries, and also in sexual health and HIV clinics as well as hospital accident and emergency departments to people who may have been exposed to HIV. Further information about PEP is available from THT.

Male Circumcision

Evidence shows that male circumcision can reduce the risk of HIV infection in heterosexual men by as much as 60 per cent in regions with a high prevalence of HIV and a low prevalence of male circumcision. The World Health Organisation, UNAIDS and others have recommended that male circumcision be included as part of a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention - the challenge is to transform scientific knowledge into public health strategies that will improve programmes and policies, and promote better health. For further information please read our briefing paper on circumcision and HIV prevention.