A Common Diabetes Drug May Hold the Key to Stopping HIV From Coming Back

A Gladstone Institutes study found immune-cell and gene patterns linked to slower HIV rebound after people stopped treatment.

The research points to stem cell memory CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, and specific gene-expression signatures as markers of post-treatment control.

In lab studies, metformin also helped keep HIV inactive, suggesting a possible way to strengthen viral suppression.

These findings could help delay or prevent HIV from returning and reduce reliance on lifelong daily antiretroviral therapy.