Timothy Ray Brown, also known as the “Berlin Patient,” was 54 years old.
In 2008, Brown was thought to have been cured of his HIV infection. The previous year, Brown had received a bone marrow transplant in Berlin, Germany, to treat a different disease that had been diagnosed: acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
The bone marrow they received came from a donor whose genes underwent a rare mutation that made the donor naturally resistant to HIV, known as CCR5-Delta32, which was transferred to Brown. .
According to the International AIDS Society (IAS), Brown remained HIV-free – but for the past six months he has been living with a recurrence of leukemia that entered his spinal cord and brain.
“On behalf of all its members and the Governing Council, the IAS extends its condolences to Timothy’s spouse, Tim and his family and friends,” said Adiba Kamrulzaman, president of the International AIDS Society and professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the university.
The statement from the IAS said, “We are trying to figure out if an amulet cure is possible .I am grateful to Timothy and his doctor Giro Hatter for opening the door to scientists.”
Brown lived in Berlin from 1993 to 2010 when he worked in a cafe and as a German-English translator, his partner Tim wrote in a Facebook post. In 1995, he was diagnosed with HIV. Was diagnosed and then in 2007 A.M.L.
Brown “committed his life’s work to tell a story about his HIV cure and became an ambassador of hope,” his partner wrote.
“I’m really blessed that we’ve shared life together, but I’m heartbroken that my hero is gone now,” he said. “Tim was truly the sweetest person in the world. Tim’s spirit will live on and the love and support from family and friends will help me through this most difficult time.”
Two years ago, Adam Castilejo – formerly known as “London Patient” – was diagnosed with HIV.
Unlike Brown, Castilejo underwent only one stem-cell transplant instead of two and did not have radiotherapy throughout his body as part of his treatment.
CNN’s Gina U and Amy Wooditt contributed to this report.
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