F.D.A. Considering New Approach to Blood Donation by Gay and Bisexual Men

Contributors within the challenge, often known as the ADVANCE examine, answered a wide range of questions on their current, risk-related behaviors, reminiscent of whether or not they had any new sexual companions or have been taking pre-exposure prophylactic medicine, often known as PrEP, that cut back the danger of H.I.V. an infection, stated Brian Custer, director of Vitalant Analysis Institute and principal investigator of the examine.

The individuals’ blood was additionally examined for H.I.V. and the antiretroviral medicine utilized in PrEP.

The researchers have already shared an interim evaluation with the F.D.A. and may have the ultimate outcomes prepared earlier than the top of the yr, Dr. Custer stated. He declined to supply extra details about the preliminary findings, citing a confidentiality settlement with the F.D.A., however stated that he anticipated the outcomes to be informative for the company.

“I actually am assured that now we have essential info for the F.D.A. to have the ability to take into account what a person, risk-based method to donor choice may seem like,” he stated.

Susan Stramer, vice chairman for scientific affairs for the American Pink Cross, stated in a press release that the examine was meant “to make blood donation a extra inclusive course of whereas sustaining the protection of the blood provide.”

“Whereas now we have not been notified by the F.D.A. regarding coverage modifications right now, the Pink Cross appears to be like ahead to a future by which donation eligibility will not be primarily based on sexual orientation, and extra wholesome people may give blood to assist sufferers in want,” she stated.

The present blood scarcity is tracked day by day by America’s Blood Facilities, the commerce affiliation for 59 group amenities. On Wednesday, a few quarter of the facilities, or 16, had lower than a day’s provide available.

“On this post-pandemic atmosphere, blood drives hosted by companies — specifically — haven’t returned to pre-pandemic ranges as the best way folks work has modified,” Nick Gehrig, the senior director for communications at Vitalant, stated in an e mail.