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AZT
AZT (zidovudine) inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase, preventing the virus from converting its RNA genome into DNA and replicating within host cells.
AZT (zidovudine) inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase, preventing the virus from converting its RNA genome into DNA and replicating within host cells. Used for HIV-1 infection (treatment), Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission (perinatal prophylaxis).
At a glance
| Generic name | AZT |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Zidovuidne (ZDV), Zidovudine |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health |
| Drug class | Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) |
| Target | HIV reverse transcriptase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Virology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
AZT is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that acts as a chain terminator during HIV DNA synthesis. When incorporated into the growing DNA chain by reverse transcriptase, it lacks a 3'-OH group, causing premature chain termination and blocking viral replication. This was the first antiretroviral drug approved for HIV treatment and remains part of combination antiretroviral therapy regimens.
Approved indications
- HIV-1 infection (in combination antiretroviral therapy)
- Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission
Common side effects
- Bone marrow suppression (anemia, neutropenia)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Lactic acidosis
- Lipoatrophy
Key clinical trials
- Virotherapy and Natural History Study of KHSV-Associated Multricentric Castleman s Disease With Correlates of Disease Activity (PHASE2)
- Study of Cobicistat-Boosted Atazanavir (ATV/co), Cobicistat-Boosted Darunavir (DRV/co) and Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (F/TAF) in Children With HIV (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- A Study to Provide Continued Access to Study Drug to Children and Adolescents Who Have Completed Clinical Studies Involving Gilead HIV Treatments (PHASE4)
- Natural History Study of the KSHV Inflammatory Cytokine Syndrome (KICS) (PHASE2)
- Belinostat Therapy With Zidovudine for Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma (PHASE2)
- Effectiveness of Zidovudine vs. Zidovudine Plus Alpha Interferon vs. Interferon for Treatment of HIV
- Early Infant HIV Treatment in Botswana (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- AZT CI brief — competitive landscape report
- AZT updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health portfolio CI