This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-36464289

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
NHS watchdog to weigh cost of HIV prevention drug Prep NHS watchdog to weigh cost of HIV prevention drug Prep
(35 minutes later)
The NHS watchdog NICE has been asked by government to look at the cost of providing an HIV prevention drug known as Prep.The NHS watchdog NICE has been asked by government to look at the cost of providing an HIV prevention drug known as Prep.
It comes as campaigners have said they will seek a judicial review of NHS England's decision not to commission the treatment.It comes as campaigners have said they will seek a judicial review of NHS England's decision not to commission the treatment.
Prep is a daily pill that cut the risk of HIV infection by more than 90%.Prep is a daily pill that cut the risk of HIV infection by more than 90%.
Head of NHS England Simon Stevens says more evidence is needed about the cost versus benefits.Head of NHS England Simon Stevens says more evidence is needed about the cost versus benefits.
Speaking to the Health Committee he said: "Prep has great potential and all of us would like to see it more widely available in this country."Speaking to the Health Committee he said: "Prep has great potential and all of us would like to see it more widely available in this country."
He said the legal issue about who should provide the treatment - NHS England or local authorities which are responsible for prevention-related services - would be resolved, but the other question was whether it was cost-effective to roll it out as a preventive treatment.He said the legal issue about who should provide the treatment - NHS England or local authorities which are responsible for prevention-related services - would be resolved, but the other question was whether it was cost-effective to roll it out as a preventive treatment.
"This particular drug is not yet licensed for prophylactic treatment for HIV."This particular drug is not yet licensed for prophylactic treatment for HIV.
"Frankly, the prices that the manufacturer is seeking to charge probably also need to take a substantial haircut to represent value.""Frankly, the prices that the manufacturer is seeking to charge probably also need to take a substantial haircut to represent value."
It's not publicly known how much the manufacturer of the Prep drug Truvada is asking for, and drug companies often reach an agreement to offer the NHS a reduced price. The book cost for 30 tablets is £355.It's not publicly known how much the manufacturer of the Prep drug Truvada is asking for, and drug companies often reach an agreement to offer the NHS a reduced price. The book cost for 30 tablets is £355.
As part of a trial, NHS England has promised £2m in funding to treat about 500 people with Prep over the next two years.As part of a trial, NHS England has promised £2m in funding to treat about 500 people with Prep over the next two years.
The number of people living with HIV in the UK continues to increase and the number living with undiagnosed HIV remains high.
In 2014, an estimated 103,700 people were living with HIV. An estimated 18,000 (17%) were unaware of their infection.
Condoms can prevent the spread of HIV but they are not 100% reliable and, of course, they must be used to work.
Are you on a course of HIV PREP treatment? What difference has taking the drug made to you?Are you on a course of HIV PREP treatment? What difference has taking the drug made to you?
If you have an experience you would like to share then share it with us in the following ways:If you have an experience you would like to share then share it with us in the following ways:
Email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.ukEmail us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSayTweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
Send an SMS or MMS to 61124 or +44 7624 800 100Send an SMS or MMS to 61124 or +44 7624 800 100
Contact us on WhatsApp number +44 (0)7525 900971Contact us on WhatsApp number +44 (0)7525 900971
Text us on 61124 or +44 7624 800 100 if you are outside the UKText us on 61124 or +44 7624 800 100 if you are outside the UK
Or comment here:Or comment here: