Virodene P058 is an experimental treatment developed by researchers in Pretoria, South Africa.

Virodene is composed of dimethylformamide (DMF), an industrial solvent used in cryopreservation (preserving body tissues by lower the body temperature). However, there appears to be little or no evidence that DMF has any direct antiviral effects, and there is no research to support the specific claim that it inhibits HIV's protease enzyme.

It was the centre of controversy in early 1997 after preliminary, uncontrolled findings based on seven recipients were presented to the South African cabinet, rather than through standard mechanisms of medical peer review, resulting in newspaper reports of a treatment 'breakthrough'. In the study, participants were treated with Virodene in the form of a patch, from which the chemical was absorbed through the skin.

There is evidence that DMF can cause liver damage when taken by mouth and when DMF is used in industrial settings, it is recommended to avoid exposure of the skin to the quantities used in this study.