Why FDA approval of new HIV prevention drug is a big deal
Why FDA approval of new HIV prevention drug is a big deal

Decades after an AIDS diagnosis was a death sentence, the FDA approved the first drug that is almost totally effective at preventing the disease. Dr. Jon LaPook joins to discuss what it means.
Read the full article on CBS US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article makes some accurate claims about the FDA approval of a new HIV prevention drug. However, it contains a potentially misleading statement about the drug being "almost totally effective at preventing the disease" without proper context. The article exhibits a slight positive bias towards the new drug, focusing on its benefits without discussing potential drawbacks or limitations.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** "Decades after an AIDS diagnosis was a death sentence, the FDA approved the first drug that is almost totally effective at preventing the disease."
- Verification Source #2: States the drug "offers protection from HIV comparable to daily pills."
- Verification Source #3: Mentions the drug is an "HIV treatment medication administered twice-yearly."
- Verification Source #5: States the FDA approved the "first injectable treatment for HIV Pre-Exposure Prevention."
- Analysis: The claim is partially accurate but potentially misleading. While the drug is a significant advancement in HIV prevention, the phrase "almost totally effective" requires context. The sources confirm it is a new HIV prevention option, but do not explicitly state it is "almost totally effective." The claim that it is the "first drug" that is almost totally effective is inaccurate, as other PrEP medications also offer high levels of protection.
- Claim:** The drug is a "big deal."
- Analysis: This is an opinion and not a factual claim that can be verified. However, given the context of HIV prevention, it is a reasonable assessment.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #2: Supports the claim that the drug offers protection from HIV.
- Verification Source #3: Supports the claim that the drug is administered twice-yearly.
- Verification Source #5: Supports the claim that the FDA approved the first injectable treatment for HIV pre-exposure prevention.
- The claim that the drug is "almost totally effective" is not directly supported by the provided sources, although they do highlight its preventative capabilities. The phrase "almost totally effective" is a common way to describe PrEP medications, but it is important to note that no medication is 100% effective.