Denmark on the Brink of HIV Cure, Less Expensive than Gene Therapy

Researchers from Denmark believe that they may be on the brink of a cure for HIV. Unlike gene therapy, that has been promising but is often unaffordable for many seeking treatment, this could not only be less expensive but an easier way to distribute help.

Researchers from Aarhus University are developing a new method to combat the virus, according to the Telegraph. The treatment releases the virus from the "reservoirs" that it cultivates in cells' DNA. The virus, thus, swims to the cells' surface and is killed by the vaccine that readies the immune system for the task.

According to the study, the treatment has been incredibly successful in laboratories where human researchers have been performing the experiment on human cells. As scientists say they may be uncertain of whether this technique will work in the human body, the Danish government has provided the research team with the funding needed to perform a trial in humans.

As the study has begun in human subjects, scientists are hoping for a continuous stream of promising results.

Dr. Ole Sogaar, a senior researcher at the university, said in a statement, "I am almost certain that we will be successful in releasing the reservoirs of HIV. The challenge will be getting the patients' immune system to recognize the virus and destroy it. This depends on the strength and sensitivity of individual immune systems."

The study is using 15 participants that will be expanded if proven successful.

Medical Daily reports that the study's success comes as an announcement that a study performed in the United States was disbanded because the treatment had little results. The trial was conducted with over 2,000 participants in 19 cities and consists of two vaccinations.