Researchers in a number of countries are conducting trials and planning others to test whether a daily pill can prevent HIV infections, The New York Times reports (nytimes.com, 8/4).

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the most promising research in HIV prevention, medical experts say.

“We cannot wait for the study results to begin to prepare for the optimal use and delivery of PrEP,” says Pedro Goicochea, an investigator in a PrEP study under way in Peru and Ecuador. “Instead, we should look ahead to consider all of the possible outcomes of these trials and make real plans for making PrEP available to those who can benefit from it, as quickly and safely as possible if it is proven effective.”

Up to 15,000 people are expected to be participating in trials by mid-2009. Sites of the trials include Botswana, Brazil, Ecuador, Kenya, Malawi, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda and the United States.