Groundbreaking South African HIV Cure Trial Shows Promising Results

Groundbreaking South African HIV Cure Trial Shows Promising Results
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A new HIV cure trial in Durban, South Africa, shows promise. It's the first HIV cure trial in Africa. The study shows that 20% of participants stayed off medication. They also kept the virus under control for 18 months. These results offer insights for future HIV cure research.

The findings were shared at a conference in San Francisco in March 2025.

The study tested combination immunotherapy. This treatment aims to remove or lower hidden HIV in the body. Then, the immune system can manage the virus without drugs.

Researchers treated participants with HIV very early. They used antiretrovirals to control the virus. Next, they gave immune-boosters to help the body fight the virus better. Participants then stopped taking antiretrovirals. Doctors watched to see if their bodies could control the virus alone.

Twenty women joined the trial. This is important because women are often left out of HIV cure studies. Yet, they are greatly affected by HIV. Results show 30% of women stayed off treatment for almost a year. 20% stayed off treatment until the trial ended after 55 weeks. These four women are still watched closely. They have been off medication for about 1.5 years.

Professor Thumbi Ndung'u said the treatment didn't work for most. However, it's still a big step in HIV cure research. Studying the 20% who controlled the virus will help. It will help scientists create better HIV cure plans. They can also find ways to improve future treatments.

He added that the trial is important. It shows complex HIV cure research can happen where it's needed most. It also shows the importance of including African people in global science.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal, and others led the research.

Ryan Robinson

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