Normalization of Preexposure Prophylaxis for Adolescents: Empowerment, Not Vulnerability

The US Food and Drug Administration’s recent expansion in approval of emtricitabine/tenofovir (Truvada) for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to youth who weigh more than 35 kg was a major gain for efforts to end the HIV epidemic among those aged 13 to 24 years, who accounted for 21% of all new HIV infections nationwide in 2017.¹ Nonetheless, PrEP use remains low among individuals in this age group, including those who are sexual and gender minorities (and who are among those at the highest risk of HIV acquisition).²