Hiv breakthrough news
There have been several recent breakthroughs in HIV research, which may lead to new treatments, prevention methods, and potential cures for the virus. Here are some of the latest developments:
- Cure for HIV: In March 2022, scientists announced that they had successfully cured two patients of HIV using a new gene editing technique called CRISPR-Cas9. The patients, who were both men, had been living with HIV for several years and had undergone treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART). The researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the patients' cells to make them resistant to HIV, and then transplanted the edited cells back into the patients. After several months, the patients' HIV levels were undetectable, and they were considered cured.
- HIV vaccine: In October 2021, researchers announced that they had developed a new HIV vaccine that was 78% effective in preventing HIV infection in a clinical trial. The vaccine, called Ad26.Mos.HIV, uses a weakened adenovirus to deliver a piece of HIV genetic material to the body, which triggers an immune response. This is the first HIV vaccine to show significant protection against the virus in a large-scale clinical trial.
- Long-acting injectable HIV treatment: In November 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new long-acting injectable HIV treatment called Cabenuva. The treatment, which is administered every two months, contains two antiretroviral medications that work together to suppress HIV replication. This treatment offers a more convenient and flexible option for people living with HIV who are taking antiretroviral therapy.
- HIV prevention pill: In October 2021, the FDA approved a new HIV prevention pill called Descovy. The pill, which is taken once a day, contains two antiretroviral medications that work together to prevent HIV infection. Descovy is the first HIV prevention pill to be approved for use in the US, and it is expected to be a more convenient and effective option for people who are at high risk of contracting HIV.
- HIV cure using stem cells: In September 2021, researchers announced that they had successfully used stem cells to cure HIV in a patient. The patient, who was a 30-year-old man, had been living with HIV for several years and had undergone treatment with ART. The researchers used stem cells to create a new immune system for the patient, which was then transplanted back into his body. After several months, the patient's HIV levels were undetectable, and he was considered cured.
- HIV prevention using vaginal ring: In August 2021, researchers announced that they had developed a new vaginal ring that can prevent HIV infection in women. The ring, which is made of a silicone material, contains a antiretroviral medication that is released slowly over several months. The ring is designed to be inserted into the vagina and left in place for 30 days, providing continuous protection against HIV infection.
- HIV treatment using gene editing: In July 2021, researchers announced that they had successfully used gene editing to treat HIV in a patient. The patient, who was a 44-year-old man, had been living with HIV for several years and had undergone treatment with ART. The researchers used a gene editing technique called CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the patient's cells to make them resistant to HIV, and then transplanted the edited cells back into his body. After several months, the patient's HIV levels were undetectable, and he was considered cured.
These are just a few examples of the latest breakthroughs in HIV research. While there is still much work to be done to develop effective treatments and prevention methods for HIV, these advances offer hope for a future where the virus is no longer a major public health threat.