Larry Kramer no longer opposes the use of the HIV-preventing PrEp (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) drug Truvada, which has been endorsed by the World Health Organiation and is demonstrably able to reduce one’s risk of seroconverting when taken every day.
In 2014, Kramer made headlines by claiming “there’s something to me cowardly about taking Truvada instead of using a condom. You’re taking a drug that is poison to you and it has lessened your energy to fight, to get involved, to do anything.”
Now, OUT magazine reports that Peter Staley of the Treatment Action Group recently held a meeting with other AIDS campaigners and there is now unity on the issue:
“We – AIDS activists, new and old, aged 24 to 80 – have just broken bread in the same apartment where GMHC was formed, coming together for a lively discussion on how to reduce HIV infections among gay men and trans women.
“Although we may not see eye-to-eye on every issue we debated tonight, we all agree that Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at protecting a person from HIV infection.
“While PrEP isn’t for everyone, any individual who thinks they are at risk of getting HIV should have easy access to it, without judgement.”
“We are fed up with Gilead’s abusive pricing of its near monopolies in drugs that treat and prevent HIV.
“Truvada as PrEP was not their idea, and came to market based on research they didn’t pay for. Gilead’s PrEP profiteering must end.
“Full access to lifesaving drugs has been a hallmark of our movement, and we will join with AIDS activists across America and around the world to double-down on this push for health equity.”