Scientists Say They're "Within Months" Of HIV Cure; Others Dispute This Claim

Scientists say they are "within months" of finding an HIV cure, but some debate the validity of this claim.

Danish scientists report that they are "on the brink" of "finding a mass distributable and affordable cure to HIV." They're in clinical trials of a "novel strategy" that they hope promises a cure, not just a reduction in HIV/AIDS symptoms.

The new system involves a process of stripping the HIV virus from within the DNA, then causing it to be destroyed permanently by the immune system. Dr Ole Sogaard of the Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, and a senior researcher in the project, said in a statement that the early signs are "promising."

The Danish scientists' technique involves stripping the HIV virus from  "reservoirs" it forms inside DNA. It is brought to the surface of cells, and consequently, the body's immune system, which normally is suppressed during the course of HIV, is able to recognize and kill the virus. The immune system does so, in part, via a boost thanks to a "vaccine" the researchers administer.

Fifteen patients are currently taking part in clinical trials after the possible cure performed successfully in lab tests.

"I am almost certain that we will be successful in releasing the reservoirs of HIV," Dr. Sogaard said. "The challenge will be getting the immune system to recognize the virus and destroy it. This depends on the strength and sensitivity of individual immune systems."

British researchers working on a similar project have disputed the claim of "months", pointing out that the clinical trial stage could take "on average 5-8 years from the start of research to final FDA approval. And that's if nothing goes wrong."

Dennis Sifrisv and James Myhre, the British researchers,  also point out that "none of this research points to a preventative vaccine. The approach is not meant to prevent infection, and should not detract anyone from maintaining consistent condom use or the proper treatment and management of their HIV."

With modern HIV medications and treatments, patients can live a near-normal life with very few side effects well into old age. However, if medication is discontinued, HIV symptoms can reappear within weeks.

Millions of people with HIV worldwide, particularly those in developing countries, have no access to medication. Finding a cure would prevent the need for constant medication and save billions of dollars.