A groundbreaking new clinical trial in South Africa has delivered a rare but extraordinary outcome: one young woman may be cured of HIV. Anele, 32, was diagnosed with the virus in May 2016 and participated in the first-ever HIV cure trial on the continent.
The trial, led by Professor Thumbi Ndung’u at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, used a unique approach called “kick and kill” to flush HIV out of hiding and neutralize it. The strategy involved a drug called vesatolimod and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) to target the virus.
Twenty women enrolled in the trial, including Anele, who had been on antiretroviral therapy for an average of seven years. After 20 weeks of treatment with vesatolimod, they stopped taking their medication and were monitored closely. Within a year, 16 participants saw their virus rebound and resumed treatment, but four remained in remission.
The success of the trial has brought hope to the community that progress is being made. Researchers are eager to continue studying the effects of the treatment approach and exploring ways to improve future strategies. The trial’s findings have also sparked interest in incorporating participants with co-infections common in sub-Saharan Africa, such as tuberculosis or hepatitis B.
Anele’s case remains the only confirmed HIV cure so far, but her experience has paved the way for new treatments and potential cures. With ongoing research and advancements in technology, there is genuine optimism that a corner has finally been turned for people with HIV in Africa.
Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/08/25/g-s1-84393/whatever-happened-to-the-race-to-cure-hiv-theres-promising-news