Hope for eliminating 'latent' HIV

Early research suggests a potential way to eradicate dormant HIV infection, scientists claim in the Lancet.

A University of North Carolina team has shown valproic acid - used to treat bipolar disorder - can prevent HIV persisting in this latent phase.

The findings may boost HIV treatment and be a step towards preventing HIV from being a chronic disease, they say.

But experts cautioned against premature optimism, and said much more research into the drug's effects was needed.

Read more: Hope for eliminating 'latent' HIV