A drug prescribed to treat HIV-positive patients may also be used as a preventative measure against infection, according to new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Truvada is a drug prescribed to AIDS patients. It contains two antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of AIDS, scientists say. The study was conducted in Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, South Africa, Thailand and the United States. 2,500 volunteers, people with bisexual and homosexual orientation, took the drug on a voluntary basis for a year, explained to the BBC Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The data of the study show that the regular intake of the drug by the risk groups reduces the risk of HIV infection by 44%. The study was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the US federal authorities and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). According to experts, the drug can help fight the AIDS virus, but a key role in preventing the disease is leading a safe and monogamous sex life.