Video: Dr. Anthony Fauci Talks About the Possibility of an HIV Cure

At NIH's Strategies for an HIV Cure Conference Dr. Rich Wolitski speaks with Dr. Anthony Fauci, about the latest in cure research and treatment as prevention.

By Jacob Anderson-Minshall

 

November 14 2016

 

 

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Earlier today, at the National Insitutes of Health's Strategies for an HIV Cure Conference, Dr. Rich Wolitski spoke with Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for AIDS.gov via Facebook Live.  (Watch the full conversation below)

Fauci explained the difference between a full cure and a "functional cure," which he prefers to call " sustained virological remission." A study Fauci was involved with earlier this year was able to put monkey SIV (the simian version of HIV) into sustained remission using antiretrovirals and a drug used for those with Chron's Disease. That study has now entered Phase I human testing. 

Although pessimistic about a full cure, Fauci believes a percentage of people living with HIV will indeed experience a sustained virological remission, during which they don't need to take antiretroviral medication.

(Read about another "functional cure" here). 

Fauci also reiterated the remarkable news that those who are virally suppressed to undetectable levels have nearly zero chance of transmitting HIV to their partners.

Read more articles from PLUS, here.