NHS Scotland to fund 'game-changer' Prep HIV drug

[Northerner]

A "game-changing" drug which dramatically reduces the chances of being infected with HIV is to be made available on the NHS in Scotland.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has agreed to approve the treatment, which is known as Prep.

Scientists have found that a daily dose of the drug can protect people at risk of contracting the virus.

It means Scotland will become the first place in the UK to routinely offer Prep to eligible patients.

Campaigners welcomed the SMC's decision, describing it as a "bold step" which could lead to a reduction in the spread of the virus.

They estimate that up to 1,900 people north of the border could benefit from the drug, which has the brand name Truvada and costs about £450 a month.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-39552641

 

[mikeyB]

Scotland leading the way on medical treatments, though fairly expensive, which are prescribed in the hope of preventing future much more expensive treatments in the years ahead. NICE might learn from this thinking that testing strips for Type 2s can perform a similar cost saving role.