A pioneering clinical trial aimed at finding a cure for HIV is showing encouraging results, scientists have revealed. Conducted in Durban, this is the first HIV cure trial to take place on the African continent.
The study, led by the HIV Pathogenesis Programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, enrolled 20 women to test a treatment known as combination immunotherapy. The goal was to reduce hidden traces of HIV in the body and strengthen the immune system to suppress the virus without the need for lifelong medication.
"We first administer antiretroviral therapy, followed by an immune booster," explained lead researcher Professor Thumbi Ndung’u. "Then we interrupt the antiretroviral treatment while continuing the immune booster for a short period before stopping both entirely. This process is carried out under strict clinical observation."
While some participants experienced a resurgence of the virus, 20% of them were able to control it without the need for antiretroviral drugs. "This is very promising," Ndung’u noted.
Among those who responded successfully, four participants remained off medication for an average of 1.5 years post-trial.
"Our current focus is on laboratory experiments to determine why this approach worked for those individuals," Ndung’u added. "If we can understand the underlying mechanism, it could pave the way for new HIV treatment strategies in the future."
The findings mark a significant step forward in HIV research, offering hope for more effective long-term treatment solutions.