Adam Castillejo, 40, underwent a bone marrow transplant containing HIV-resistant white blood cells at the University of Cambridge in May 2016 to treat his lymphoma. His HIV did not return for 18 months, leading researchers to say he was in “sustained remission” as of March 2019. One year later, researchers are more confident in saying Mr. Castillejo’s HIV is cured.
Mr. Castillejo said he was hesitant to come forward until he was sure about his health status and prepared for all the attention he would receive.
“This is a unique position to be in, a unique and very humbling position,” he told NYT. “I want to be an ambassador of hope.”
Timothy Ray Brown — known as the “Berlin Patient” — was the first person to be cured of HIV in 2008.
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