Can CAR-T cells free HIV patients from daily medication?

NCT ID NCT04648046

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-phase trial tests whether specially engineered immune cells (CAR-T cells) can control HIV in people who stop their regular antiretroviral drugs. 18 participants will receive a single infusion of their own modified cells, with some also getting a mild chemotherapy drug beforehand. After infusion, HIV medications are paused to see if the engineered cells can keep the virus in check. The main goals are safety and whether the virus stays suppressed for at least 12 weeks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

genetically modified immune cells (CAR-T cells) targeting HIV

What this could lead to

If successful, this could allow people with HIV to stop daily antiretroviral therapy while keeping the virus under control.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small trial (18 people) focused on safety. The CAR-T cells may not persist or control HIV, and there are risks from the conditioning chemotherapy and potential side effects.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

AIDS HIV infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of California, Davis

    RECRUITING

    Sacramento, California, 95817, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Zuckerberg San Francisco General

    RECRUITING

    San Francisco, California, 94110, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact