The Buckingham

Photo Credit: www.healthland.time.com

The FDA has approved Truvada, which is the first drug shown to reduce the risk of HIV.

Truvada, which has been used since 2004 as a treatment for people who are already infected with the virus, was approved on July 16.  The Food and Drug Administration approved the Gilead Sciences’ pill as a preventive measure for people who are at high risk of acquiring HIV through sexual activity.

Public health advocates believe the pill will help slow down the spread of HIV, which infects 50,000 new people a year.

1.2 million Americans have HIV, which develops into AIDS if it’s not treated with antiviral drugs, like Truvada.  Currently, around 240,000 people are unaware of their positive HIV status.