Around 40 million people globally are living with HIV, which has transitioned from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable condition thanks to antiretroviral drugs. However, a complete cure remains elusive. In 2025, researchers announced a promising breakthrough: the potential for a “functional” cure that could control HIV long-term without the need for ongoing treatment. This development emerged from two independent trials involving engineered antibodies, where some participants maintained health without antiretrovirals long after their treatment ended. In the FRESH trial led by Thumbi Ndung’u in South Africa, four out of 20 participants achieved undetectable HIV levels for a median of 1.5 years post-treatment. Meanwhile, in the RIO trial, conducted by Sarah Fidler in the UK and Denmark, six out of 34 participants sustained viral control for at least two years. These trials suggest that the immune system can be effectively used to combat HIV, prompting researchers to plan larger studies to refine antibody treatments for broader application. Despite advancements in treatment, people with HIV typically face shorter lifespans compared to those without the virus. Daily medication or even bi-monthly injections can be burdensome due to financial costs, practicalities, and social stigma. Fidler emphasizes the ongoing pursuit of better solutions, reflecting a long-standing commitment to improving the lives of those affected by HIV.