Scientists have said that they can now successfully extract HIV from cells, thereby curing people who have the disease.
This was made known by a research team from the University of Amsterdam when they presented their early findings at a recent medical conference.
According to the scientists, the procedure involves usage of Nobel Prize-winning gene-editing technology, CRISPR-Cas9, to separate HIV DNA from the genomes of living cells.
The innovative technique, often likened to molecular scissors, allows for the targeted removal of the viral genetic material, potentially leading to a complete eradication of the virus from the patient’s body.
Despite the seeming breakthrough, Dr James Dixon who is the study’s lead, said there’s more work to be done to ensure safety and effectiveness before it can be employed a means to cure the disease.
