South Africa may be on the brink of a cure for the HIV virus. A new pioneering Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cure trial in Durban has shown encouraging results, indicating a potential breakthrough in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-free virus control.
The International Commodity Summit 2025 (ICS2025) states that this cure trail is a landmark in working towards a HIV cure. This research trial conducted by a team from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the Africa Health Research Institute has revealed that 20% of participants remained off ART and maintained viral suppression for up to one-and-a-half years. These results were unveiled at the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in San Francisco, United States of America.
This trial is the first of its kind in Africa, testing a novel approach called combination immunotherapy. The researchers aimed to either eradicate or significantly reduce dormant HIV levels in the body, enabling participants’ immune systems to manage the virus without lifelong medication. The study enrolled 20 women, a crucial demographic often underrepresented in HIV research, particularly as they are disproportionately affected by the virus.
The treatment trial involved early treatment with antiretrovirals following HIV infection, followed by the administration of immune-boosters to enhance the body’s ability to combat the virus. Under careful medical supervision, participants ceased ART to evaluate their ability to control the virus independently. Remarkably, six participants (30%) remained off treatment for nearly a year, while four (20%) continued without medication for an average of 1.5 years after the trial’s conclusion.
Professor Thumbi Ndung’u, who led the research, emphasized the significance of the findings. “While this treatment approach did not work for most participants, it is still a significant development in HIV cure research. Understanding how the 20% managed to control the virus will help us create better strategies and improve future treatments”, said Ndung’u.
The trial highlights the potential for complex HIV research to be conducted in resource-limited settings, which often face the highest need for innovative solutions. Professor Busisiwe Ncama, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UKZN, praised the research team, stating, “This extraordinary breakthrough not only brings hope to millions but also paves the way for future HIV cure strategies. Your dedication and commitment to scientific excellence continue to inspire us all.”
In 2023, statistics indicated that approximately 7.8 million individuals in South Africa were living with HIV, accounting for 12.6% of the population, with 5.9 million receiving treatment. The data also revealed that 50,000 people succumbed to HIV-related causes that year.
Notably, HIV prevalence was nearly double among women, at 20%, compared to 12% among men in South Africa. According to UNAIDS, an estimated 39.9 million (ranging from 36.1 million to 44.6 million) people worldwide were living with HIV in 2023.
Previous research highlighted that accelerating any effective HIV prevention or treatment strategies, especially a potential cure, could swiftly decrease new infections, reduce stigma, and enhance the financial and programmatic sustainability of the response.
Vice President of Hibarri, Cherrylee Samson emphasized the need for continued HIV/AIDS research in Africa, as the current decline in HIV infection rates could reverse at any moment.
“The International Commodity Summit 2025 welcomes the progression towards an HIV cure, which will enable South Africa to achieve its SDG target with regards to HIV/AIDS. Africa must significantly lower its infection rate, particularly given the substantial funding gap from the United States,” said Samson.
The collaborative research/ cure trial effort involved the HIV Pathogenesis Programme at UKZN, the Africa Health Research Institute, the Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, and Gilead Sciences, Inc.
This trial marks a significant step forward in the global fight against HIV, showcasing the importance of including African populations in scientific advancements.
For further information on The International Commodity Summit 2025, including registration details, sponsorship opportunities, and the full agenda, please visit [https://internationalcommoditysummit.com/].
