Around the world, some 40 million people are living with HIV. And though progress in treatment means the infection isnāt the death sentence it once was, researchers have never been able to bring about a cure. Instead, HIV-positive people must take a cocktail of antiretroviral drugs for the rest of their lives.
But in 2025, researchers reported a breakthrough that suggests that a āfunctionalā cure for HIVāa way to keep HIV under control long-term without constant treatmentāmay indeed be possible. In two independent trials using infusions of engineered antibodies, some participants remained healthy without taking antiretrovirals, long after the interventions ended.
In one of the trialsāthe FRESH trial, led by virologist Thumbi Ndungāu of the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Africa Health Research Institute in South Africaāfour of 20 participants maintained undetectable levels of HIV for a median of 1.5 years without taking antiretrovirals. In the other, the RIO trial set in the United Kingdom and Denmark and led by Sarah Fidler, a clinical doctor and HIV research expert at Imperial College London, six of 34 HIV-positive participants have maintained viral control for at least two years.
This is an important and timely topic. It’s encouraging to see advancements in treatment and the ongoing efforts to support those living with HIV. Conversations like this can help raise awareness and promote understanding.
I completely agree! Itās inspiring to witness the progress in treatment options. Additionally, ongoing research into potential vaccines could further change the landscape of HIV management in the future.