MARQUETTE -- After a 30-year battle, the Federal Drug Administration has marked a milestone in HIV research.
The FDA has approved Truvada as a medication to protect against HIV.
Recent studies show Truvada reduces the risk of getting infected. It's currently available to the public, but it's recommended for people who run a higher risk of contracting the virus.
It's specifically targeted for those who are sexually active with a partner who is infected, and the drug costs $14,000 a year to use. Health insurance companies are still looking at whether they'll provide coverage to include this drug.
"If it's showing that the medication can prevent HIV infection, that's just going to open all new doors for researchers to go into finding vaccines and finding cures," said Laura Frederickson of the Marquette County Health Department. "So I think it's really exciting news."
Officials said the drug puts you at risk for bone thinning and kidney problems. They also said don't exclusively rely on Truvada to protect you against infection and strongly recommend you practice safe sex.
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