In a monumental leap forward, scientists have used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to successfully remove HIV DNA from infected human immune cells in laboratory and animal models. The technique, pioneered by researchers at Temple University and Excision BioTherapeutics, forms the basis of a new treatment called EBT-101, which specifically targets and cuts out integrated HIV genetic material hidden in T-cells—something traditional therapies cannot do.
While still in early clinical trials, the results are promising. The treatment was found to be safe and well-tolerated, though some patients saw a viral rebound after stopping antiretroviral therapy, indicating further refinement is needed. In parallel, scientists in the Netherlands demonstrated similar success using CRISPR to delete HIV from lab-grown cells. Although not a complete cure yet, this innovation paves the way for a one-time gene therapy that could revolutionize HIV treatment and bring us closer to eliminating the virus entirely.
#CRISPR #HIVResearch #GeneEditing #MedicalBreakthrough
#FutureOfMedicineIn a monumental leap forward, scientists have used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to successfully remove HIV DNA from infected human immune cells in laboratory and animal models. The technique, pioneered by researchers at Temple University and Excision BioTherapeutics, forms the basis of a new treatment called EBT-101, which specifically targets and cuts out integrated HIV genetic material hidden in T-cells—something traditional therapies cannot do.
While still in early clinical trials, the results are promising. The treatment was found to be safe and well-tolerated, though some patients saw a viral rebound after stopping antiretroviral therapy, indicating further refinement is needed. In parallel, scientists in the Netherlands demonstrated similar success using CRISPR to delete HIV from lab-grown cells. Although not a complete cure yet, this innovation paves the way for a one-time gene therapy that could revolutionize HIV treatment and bring us closer to eliminating the virus entirely.
#CRISPR #HIVResearch #GeneEditing #MedicalBreakthrough
#FutureOfMedicine
