Truvada Fails Trial to Prevent HIV in Women

The Gilead Sciences drug Truvada failed to prevent new HIV infections in high-risk women. A clinical trial was stopped early because researchers concluded the drug wasn't working as hoped. The results prompted a warning to doctors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, because some women have been using the drug off-label for prevention.

The study results were especially disappointing because Truvada had previously proven effective at keeping HIV at bay in high-risk men. Topical use of an AIDS drug in the vagina has also proven helpful. So, when study participants using Truvada contracted HIV in about the same numbers as women us