ITM launches study on a preventative drug for HIV

The Institute for Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp is has launched the Be-PrEP-ared study, the first Flemish research project on the applicability of preventative HIV medication. The researchers hope that the study, which focuses on gay men, can help to reduce the high number of new HIV infections among the target group. 

PrEP, short for pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a pill with HIV inhibitors meant for temporary use by people who don’t have HIV but are at a high risk for infection. The project will examine if gay men are willing to use PrEP, how conscientiously the pills are taken, how the use of PrEP is experienced and whether the use of condoms is altered.

“PrEP is a promising medication, but the consequences have to be examined closely before the strategy can be introduced in our country,” said professor Marie Laga, co-ordinator of Be-PrEP-ared.

Every day, there are three new HIV diagnoses in Belgium, mainly among gay men and residents with origins in Sub-Saharan Africa. Among Belgian men, more than 80% of new infections are transmitted via sexual contact.

Two hundred men are needed for the ITM study and can apply until 24 September. The study is being carried out with support of the Flemish government’s Agency for Innovation in Science and Technology  and in collaboration with relevant partners such as sexual health centre Sensoa and LGBT rights organisation Cavaria.