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Twice-daily ABC+3TC
ABC (abacavir) and 3TC (lamivudine) are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that block HIV replication by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting viral RNA into DNA.
ABC (abacavir) and 3TC (lamivudine) are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that block HIV replication by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting viral RNA into DNA. Used for HIV-1 infection (as part of combination antiretroviral therapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | Twice-daily ABC+3TC |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ABC: abacavir: Ziagen, 3TC: lamivudine: Epivir, ABC+3TC co-formulated: Kivexa |
| Sponsor | Medical Research Council |
| Drug class | Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) combination |
| Target | HIV reverse transcriptase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Virology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Abacavir and lamivudine are both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that work by being incorporated into the growing DNA chain during HIV reverse transcription, causing chain termination and preventing viral replication. This combination is a foundational antiretroviral therapy regimen used to suppress HIV viral load and restore immune function in infected individuals.
Approved indications
- HIV-1 infection (as part of combination antiretroviral therapy)
Common side effects
- Hypersensitivity reaction (abacavir)
- Nausea
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Lactic acidosis (rare)
- Hepatotoxicity
Key clinical trials
- 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)
- Rifapentine and Isoniazid TB Preventive Therapy (3HP) for Children Taking Dolutegravir-based Antiretroviral Treatment (DOLPHIN KIDS) (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Safety & Efficacy of Dual Therapy With Raltegravir/Lamivudine (PHASE3)
- STARLITE for Unresectable High-Grade Gliomas (PHASE1)
- Study of Novel Antiretrovirals in Participants With HIV-1 (PHASE1)
- Raltegravir + Lamivudine/Abacavir in HIV/Tuberculosis Co-Infected Patients (PHASE4)
- Effects of Maraviroc vs. Efavirenz on CD4/CD8 Ratio (PHASE3)
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 |