# Scientists Successfully Eliminate HIV-Like Virus in Non-Human Primates Using Gene Editing

> In a major breakthrough, Temple University scientists used CRISPR/Cas9 to completely remove SIV—a virus similar to HIV—from rhesus macaque cells. The edited cells stayed virus-free and resisted reinfection, with no side…

Published: 2026-09-15 · Desk: Latest · Source: Temple University

Scientists have successfully removed an HIV-like virus from primate cells using CRISPR technology—and the results are groundbreaking. In a major step forward in the fight against HIV, researchers from Temple University have managed to completely eliminate SIV, a virus closely related to HIV, from the cells of rhesus macaques. They used the powerful gene-editing tool CRISPR/Cas9 to cut out the viral DNA entirely. What sets this apart from existing HIV treatments is that current therapies can only suppress the virus, while this approach eradicates it at the genetic level.

Even more encouraging, the treated cells remained virus-free—even when exposed to high levels of the virus—demonstrating strong resistance to reinfection. The team also reported no harmful side effects or unintended genetic edits, making the treatment both effective and safe in this preclinical setting.

This significant achievement is paving the way for clinical trials of EBT-101, a CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy designed to treat HIV in humans. EBT-101 has already received FDA approval to begin human testing. With this new method showing such promise, there’s renewed hope that we may finally be on the path toward a permanent cure for HIV.

Original reporting: https://medicine.temple.edu/news/2024/08/novel-treatment-based-gene-editing-safely-effectively-removes-hiv-virus-genomes-non-human-primates?fbclid=IwY2xjawKqbURleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE2b1BONFV2eExnNnBPYmk3AR5FhH9YGyG9xjZXyreQnlcRibgnjIb5fLFXoKaVgSsIFXJzOWv0TOsBEMXEmw_aem_gTXhYs6etGgtHpGkzNGk-g
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