Durban, South Africa – March 28, 2025 – A groundbreaking HIV cure trial conducted in Durban, South Africa, has sparked new hope in the fight against the virus. The study, led by Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u of the Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence, found that 20% of participants were able to control the virus even after stopping antiretroviral therapy (ART) for more than a year.
The trial involved 20 women living with HIV, marking a significant step toward finding a functional cure. According to researchers, the study focused on understanding how certain individuals can naturally suppress the virus without the need for daily medication.
"This is a remarkable breakthrough," said Prof. Ndung’u. "It suggests that some people may have the ability to control HIV after stopping treatment, which could lead us closer to a long-term solution for managing the virus without lifelong ART."
A Step Toward an HIV Cure
Currently, ART is the most effective treatment for managing HIV, preventing the virus from multiplying and reducing the risk of transmission. However, it does not cure HIV, and patients must take medication daily for life. The ability to suppress the virus without ART could change the landscape of HIV treatment.
The study focused on immune responses and genetic factors that could explain why some individuals achieve this rare control over the virus. While the exact mechanism remains unclear, the findings open new doors for developing therapies that could help more people achieve similar results.
Implications for Africa and the World
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region most affected by HIV, with millions relying on ART for survival. A cure or a therapy that allows long-term viral suppression without daily medication could significantly improve the quality of life for millions and ease the burden on healthcare systems.
“This study gives us a new direction,” said Prof. Ndung’u. “We need further research to determine how to replicate this in a larger population and potentially develop a therapeutic vaccine or cure.”
The researchers plan to conduct more trials to expand on these findings and explore potential treatments that could harness the immune system to fight HIV effectively.
As the global scientific community continues to work toward an HIV cure, the results from Durban bring renewed hope that a world without HIV/AIDS may one day be possible.
