HIV cure: what counts and where research stands

Hearing the word “cure” for HIV is exciting. But the truth is messy. Right now most people living with HIV use antiretroviral therapy (ART) to stay healthy and undetectable — and that’s hugely effective. A true, widely available cure is not here yet. Still, real progress has happened, and more options are being tested in clinics. This page cuts through hype, explains the types of “cure” researchers talk about, and gives practical advice on staying safe and informed.

What “cure” actually means

Researchers usually mean one of two things: a sterilizing cure or a functional cure. A sterilizing cure would remove every bit of the virus from the body. That has only happened in a tiny number of cases after risky bone marrow transplants for cancer (the Berlin and London patients). Those are not repeatable for most people because the procedure is dangerous and complex.

A functional cure — also called long-term remission — means the virus stays controlled without daily drugs. People would stop ART and still keep the virus suppressed. That’s the more realistic short-term goal and where many studies focus: gene-editing, therapeutic vaccines, broadly neutralizing antibodies, and drugs that wake up hidden virus so it can be cleared.

Recent milestones and realistic expectations

Small, careful trials have shown promise. Gene-editing tools like CRISPR can target viral DNA in the lab. Broadly neutralizing antibodies have helped lower viral levels for months in some people. A few people have had long drug-free periods after experimental treatments. But these results are limited, often short-lived, or only in a handful of participants. Expect gradual steps, not instant global cures.

That means your best move now is to stick with ART if you’re on it. Undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U), which protects your health and partners. If you’re considering a trial, talk to your doctor about risks, follow-up, and how the study handles ART stopping — never stop medication without medical supervision.

Watch for red flags: claims of a simple pill or supplement that cures HIV, paid ‘‘clinic cures’’ overseas, or aggressive marketing on social media. Legitimate research happens in universities and registered hospitals, publishes results in peer-reviewed journals, and lists ethical review and informed consent.

Want to follow progress? Track major research centers, reputable journals (like The Lancet, Nature Medicine), and trusted health agencies (WHO, CDC). If a breakthrough appears in mainstream news, check the original study and expert commentary before sharing or acting.

Hope is real, but so is caution. Science is moving toward safer, more practical ways to reduce or remove HIV. Meanwhile, proven treatments keep people healthy and prevent transmission. Stay informed, ask your care team questions, and be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true.