The first-ever daily pill to help prevent HIV infection was approved on Monday by US regulators for healthy adults who are at risk of getting the virus that causes AIDS.

Truvada, made by Gilead Sciences in California, has been on the market since 2004 and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help ward off HIV, in combination with safe sex and regular testing.

Some AIDS experts hail the pill as a potent new tool against HIV, while others are concerned it could encourage risky sex behavior.

"Truvada alone should not be used to prevent HIV infection," says Debra Birnkrant, director of the division of antiviral products at the FDA.

The FDA says Truvada should be used as "part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy that includes other prevention methods, such as safe sex practices, risk reduction counseling, and regular HIV testing".

China Daily-Reuters