Scotland approves controversial 'game-changer' HIV drug stat : The Telegraph

The SMC ruling follows a fierce legal battle south of the border last year, where NHS England unsuccessfully argued that it was not responsible for providing the medicine. They estimate that up to 1,900 people in Scotland could benefit from the drug, which as the brand name Truvada and costs around £450 a month. Health officials had previously said that funding the expensive drug could mean children with cystic fibrosis, deaf children in need of hearing implants for hearing loss and amputees needing prosthetics could be denied treatment. Campaigners said yesterday the "speed and decisiveness of the Scottish process contrasts starkly" with the situation in the rest of the UK. SMC chairman Dr Alan MacDonald said: "Prep, when used together with safer sex, practices may help reduce the spread of HIV, which is an ongoing priority for the Scottish Government."




Robert McKay, national director for Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland, said: "Today, Scotland has made history in the fight against the HIV epidemic. The Rarer Cancers Foundation warned that NHS England could use the decision "as an excuse to refuse funding for important Cancer treatments". NHS England resisted rolling out PrEP due to its cost, although it is a lot cheaper than a lifetime of HIV treatment which could cost £360,000. NHS England has already asked various companies to tender to supply the pills. But NHS England dragged its feet because of the cost – estimated at potentially £20m a year to treat everyone who could benefit.


HIV Scotland believes the use of Prep has played a part in reducing the number of HIV infections in Scotland. The decision on Prep was welcomed by a group of charities, including HIV Scotland and the Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland, which had campaigned as The Prep4Scotland Coalition. However, the SMC's decision relates to its use on a preventative basis by people who do not have the virus. Safe sex practicesThe anti-retroviral drug is already licensed for use by people diagnosed with HIV in Scotland. Campaigners welcomed the SMC's decision, describing it as a "bold step" which could lead to a reduction in the spread of the virus.


collected by :Lucy William
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