Direct acting antiretroviral therapy is highly effective in suppressing viremia and preventing progression of
human immunodeficiency virus
(
HIV
) to
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(
AIDS
), but requires strict adherence to lifelong treatment. Upon cessation of therapy, viral rebound is observed within two to four weeks. Recently, significant effort has focused on the development of a finite drug regimen capable of providing sustained virologic response for years or decades; that is, an HIV cure. This review will provide an update on the strategies being pursued and summarize advances in the medicinal chemistry of individual targets.