UKZN and Civil Society Applaud Landmark HIV Cure Trial Led by Professor Ndung’u
The College of Health Sciences (CHS), in partnership with the KZN Office of the Premier, the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) and the Sub-Saharan African Network for HIV/TB Research Excellence (SANTHE), recently held an engaging session highlighting the latest findings from a ground-breaking HIV cure trial led by Professor Thumbi Ndung’u.
This historic trial, the first of its kind in Africa, has shown promising results, with 20% of participants remaining off antiretroviral therapy (ART) while maintaining viral suppression after 18 months.
This pioneering event brought together leading researchers, civil society representatives, particularly People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and key stakeholders, including members of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, CAPRISA, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), MatCH, TBHIV Care, and the Enhancing Care Foundation.
In July 2022, 20 women were enrolled in the Females Rising Through Education Support and Health (FRESH) HIV Cure Trial in Umlazi, south of Durban.
The participants were given a regimen that included oral doses of vesatolimod and intravenous infusions of VRC07-523LS and CAP256V2LS. The trial results showed that 30% of participants (six out of 20) were able to stay off HIV treatment for nearly a year, and 20% (four participants) remained off treatment until the trial ended at 55 weeks. Even after the trial, these four individuals, who are still being closely monitored, have continued without medication for an average of 18 months.
Professor Thumbi Ndung’u, Director for Basic and Translational Science at AHRI, the Victor Daitz Chair at UKZN and Director of the SANTHE Programme, said that this is the first time in history that a particular combination of drugs was tested in humans and that they were well tolerated and proved safe.
‘This is not a cure for HIV, because we cannot give patients something that only worked in 20% of participants,’ said Ndung’u. ‘But it is a step in the right direction. We hope to improve on this approach and, perhaps next time, conduct a study with a 50% response. Studying how the 20% managed to control the virus on their own will help scientists develop better HIV cure strategies and improve future treatments.’
Ndung’u and his research team were applauded for the exciting results.
Ms Zonke Ndlovu, chairperson of PLHIV in KwaZulu-Natal said, ‘We are very excited because this is the first step in the right direction. As a person living with HIV, I’ve always hoped for a cure rather than having to take medication for the rest of my life.’
Mr Patrick Mdletshe, Provincial Deputy Chairperson of the Civil Society Forum, congratulated the team. ‘Thank you for the work you are doing to explore possible cures for HIV – especially as this is the first of its kind in Africa. These types of platforms that connect academia with the community are key to understanding these findings and securing support for further HIV cure research, while managing expectations.’
Professor Krista Dong, Clinical Director of the FRESH Trial site said: ‘This is an important step towards a cure, but what is remarkable is that Africa is taking the lead in finding solutions to the challenges we are experiencing. That is powerful.’
Professor Busisiwe Ncama, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the CHS, congratulated the team. ‘I wish to extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations to Professor Thumbi Ndung’u and his exceptional research team from the UKZN HIV Pathogenesis Programme, the Africa Health Research Institute, the Ragon Institute of Mass General, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, as well as our partners at Gilead Sciences, Inc. Your relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and unwavering commitment to improving global health are truly inspiring.’
‘Further, as we engage in discussions with civil society, let us find ways to translate these scientific breakthroughs into tangible benefits for communities. The fight against HIV cannot be won in laboratories alone – it requires collaboration between academia, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and civil society to ensure that these advances reach those who need them most,’ she said.
‘As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in HIV cure research. I am confident that together, we can accelerate progress towards a future free from HIV,’ Ncama added.
Words: MaryAnn Francis
Photograph: Supplied
