FDA panel to vote on HIV prevention drug - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Food and Drug Administration holds a meeting Thursday to decide whether a daily pill called Truvada should be approved for people who are at risk of contracting HIV. A positive review posted Tuesday suggests the pill will become the first drug approved to prevent HIV infection in healthy patients.

Thursday's discussion is likely to focus on which patients should take the drug. The FDA will ask a panel of outside experts to vote on whether Truvada should be approved for:

-- gay and bisexual men

-- men or women in relationships with HIV-positive partners

-- other people at risk of acquiring HIV through sexual activity

The FDA is not required to follow the advice of its panels, though it usually does. A final decision on the drug is expected by June 15.