HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Virology

Background:

• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as a significant advancement in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention.
• It is a highly effective strategy for preventing HIV transmission across diverse populations when adherence is high.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of PrEP options and their role in reducing the global HIV epidemic.
• To identify persistent challenges and disparities in PrEP uptake, adherence, and accessibility.

Main Methods:

• Review of current PrEP modalities including oral and injectable formulations, and vaginal rings.
• Analysis of PrEP's effectiveness within multifaceted HIV prevention strategies.
• Examination of barriers to PrEP implementation and equitable access.

Main Results:

• Multiple effective PrEP options are available, including daily oral regimens, on-demand oral therapy, long-acting injectable cabotegravir, and the dapivirine vaginal ring.
• Widespread deployment of PrEP is crucial for significantly reducing the global HIV epidemic.
• Challenges related to uptake, adherence, persistence, and accessibility disparities persist.

Conclusions:

• PrEP is a cornerstone of modern HIV prevention, offering diverse and effective biomedical interventions.
• Addressing existing barriers to access and adherence is essential for maximizing PrEP's public health impact.
• Continued research and implementation strategies are needed to ensure equitable PrEP accessibility and reduce HIV transmission globally.