expanded access programme (EAP) – a scheme that allows people to access a drug before it has been approved (but when approval is expected).
EAPs are for people urgently need treatment as a life-saving option and who do o have the time to wait for the six months that it takes for approval to be finalised. EAPs are usually available for most HIV drugs after the main studies (phase 3) have been completed.
They were an important early result of community activism. They are also called ‘early access’ or ‘named-patient’ programmes.
percentage (%) – a number as a proportion of 100.
in vitro – a study in a test tube. Literally, ‘in glass’.
Compassionate use programmes enable people with life-threatening, long-lasting or seriously disabling illnesses to use drugs that have not yet been authorised. This is usually only for drugs that are near to drug approval, especially for people who would be excluded from research studies.
This is similar to, and sometimes called, a named-patient programme.
Information on compassionate access in the EU.
acute infection – early infection (first few months with HIV).
