Spotlight on Research

HIV is a disease of major importance in the UK—and despite increased HIV testing and a move towards earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy, a reduction in new cases each year proved hard to achieve. While the prognosis is excellent, treatment is lifelong with inescapable rising costs to the NHS.

The PROUD study was designed to assess the effectiveness of PrEP, including the net effect of efficacy, adherence, and any change in sexual behaviour because of PrEP. This initial study was a pilot to test the feasibility of a large-scale trial; however, the unexpectedly large number of HIV infections enabled researchers to present findings on the effectiveness of PrEP. PROUD was an open-label randomised trial undertaken at 13 sexual health clinics in England. Eligibility criteria were: 18+ years; male at birth; previously attended the enrolling clinic; been screened for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections; HIV-negative in the previous 4 weeks or on the day of enrolment; reported anal intercourse without a condom in the previous 90 days and likely to have anal intercourse without a condom in the next 90 days.