HIV cure research
Professor Thumbi Ndung’u from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Africa Health Research Institute has shared groundbreaking findings from an HIV cure trial conducted in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The study has delivered promising results, showing that a percentage of participants were able to suppress the virus without needing lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Ndung’u led a team that explored a novel approach known as combination immunotherapy, aimed at training the immune system to control HIV without continuous medication. ]
The Africa Health Research Institute confirmed that 20% of participants remained off ART while maintaining viral suppression for over a year and a half.
Presented at the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in San Francisco, the study marks a significant step forward in HIV cure research. It involved treating participants with antiretrovirals soon after infection, followed by administering immune boosters to strengthen their body’s ability to fight the virus.
After achieving viral control, participants discontinued ART under close medical supervision to determine whether their immune systems could independently suppress HIV.
According to Ndung’u, the trial enrolled 20 women, with 30% (six individuals) managing to stay off treatment for nearly a year. Among them, 20% (four participants) remained off medication even after the 55-week trial concluded, with ongoing monitoring confirming they have continued to control the virus for an average of 1.5 years.
“While this treatment approach didn’t work for most participants, it is still a significant development in HIV cure research. Studying how the 20% managed to control the virus on their own will help scientists develop better HIV cure strategies, as well as work out ways to improve future treatments,” said Professor Ndung’u.
He further highlighted that this research proves that complex HIV cure trials can be successfully conducted in resource-limited settings, reinforcing the importance of involving African populations in cutting-edge scientific advancements.
