Results released today from the HPTN 052 study confirmed that effective use of oral antiretrovirals by people living with HIV can significantly reduce—in this case by up to 96 percent—the risk of transmission to an uninfected partner. The HPTN 052 study is a large-scale clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). This study is the first major randomized clinical trial to indicate that treating someone who is HIV positive with anti-retroviral therapy can reduce the risk of HIV transmission to an uninfected partner.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) congratulates the investigators, NIAID of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), and thanks the volunteers who participated in the trial and contributed to this significant breakthrough in HIV prevention research.

“USAID commends NIAID and the HIV Prevention Trial Network on these revolutionary findings,” said USAID Administrator, Dr. Rajiv Shah. “Progress against the HIV epidemic will require continued investment in developing new technologies and innovative methods of prevention. These methods can empower people living with HIV to better protect themselves and their partners.”

For more information about the trial, please visit: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2011/Pages/HPTN052.aspx