Get all the information about the new DISCOVER trial for PrEP at the Community Forum this week

In response to uncertainty within the community about the new DISCOVER trial for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), Gay Switchboard are facilitating a community forum which will shed some more light on the study.

Essentially, the DISCOVER trial will be examining the effectiveness of a new drug to be used for PrEP, in comparison with Truvada, which has already been approved for PrEP in other countries, such as the US and the UK.

The community forum facebook event page explains what the trial involves:

The DISCOVER study is investigating whether a new formulation of the drugs in Truvada is effective as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It’s an international study with sites in North America and Europe including here in Dublin at the Mater Hospital and St. James’s.

Here’s some more information about the DISCOVER trial.

Confusion

Adam Shanley, Director of Gay Switchboard, talked about the recruitment process for the trial and highlighted “confusing” materials and “lack of community involvement” as why a community forum surrounding the study is necessary.

“The study is taking place across North America and Europe,” Shanley said.

“It has already started in the States and recruitment has begun in some sites across Europe with Ireland starting shortly.

“However, there has been some concerns around the study across all regions. In response to criticism (including lack of community involvement and some confusing initial patient materials) Gilead, the study sponsors, have already revised some aspects of the study, but other concerns remain unaddressed.”

Opportunity to Learn

Shanley said that people attending the community forum would be able to learn more about the trial and those who are running it.

“The main topic of conversation will center on ensuring that all those who are interested in taking part in the study are fully aware of the risks involved and that it be made clear that this is not a substitute for regular access to Truvada-based PrEP in Ireland,” the event page reads.

“The researchers involved in the Irish wing of the study are very much open to hearing directly from the community and so we are hugely appreciative of their support and look forward to the discussion on Thursday,” Shanley said.

When? Where?

The community forum is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Thursday 12 January in Outhouse at 6pm.

Outhouse is located at 105 Capel St, Dublin 1.