The upcoming AIDS 2024, the 25th International AIDS Conference in Munich, will be a platform for groundbreaking revelations.
Among these, a pioneering HIV cure case, dubbed the ‘next Berlin Patient’, will take centre stage. This individual, the seventh worldwide to achieve HIV remission following a stem cell transplant, brings a notable twist to the narrative: the donor possessed a single CCR5-delta32 mutation, a deviation from the usual double mutation.
This case is a significant leap forward in HIV research, shedding new light on potential cure strategies.
Presented by Christian Gaebler of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the case represents a significant advancement in HIV research, suggesting broader applicability for future cure strategies. The patient, treated for leukaemia in 2015 and ceasing antiretroviral therapy in 2018, remains in HIV remission over five years later.
The conference will also unveil projections by UNAIDS that paint a stark picture of the future if global HIV targets are not met. The projections estimate a staggering 35 million new HIV cases and nearly 18 million AIDS-related deaths by 2050. These numbers serve as a sobering reminder of the urgency and importance of our collective efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Additionally, studies on doxycycline pre-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPrEP) and the feasibility of less frequent monitoring for HIV PrEP users will be presented, underscoring ongoing efforts to enhance prevention strategies.
Reflecting on the conference’s themes, Sharon Lewin, President of IAS and Director of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, emphasized the pivotal role of placing affected communities at the forefront of HIV response efforts.
AIDS 2024 aims to foster collaboration among global stakeholders to address challenges and advance innovative solutions in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
