A stem cell transplant has cured an AIDS patient, researchers have announced.
The 53-year-old German patient is the third person to be cured of the disease using the therapy.
He has not taken antiretroviral drugs or inhibitors for four years and has not relapsed.
Similar to two other patients (one in Berlin and the other in London), the man had a transplant in Dusselford to treat a blood disorder, in his case leukemia, a disease that follows developed with HIV infection.
More than 10 years after his transplant and four years after ending his HIV treatment, he is in good health.
“I still vividly remember my family doctor’s words: ‘Don’t be so sad. Together we will experience that AIDS is curable’,” he said.
“At the time, I considered the statement an alibi. Today, I am even more proud of my global team of doctors who managed to cure me of HIV – and of course, leukemia.”
“This Valentine’s Day, I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my bone marrow transplant with my bone marrow donor in attendance as the guest of honor.”