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Zidovudine (drug)

Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Zidovudine (drug) is a Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) Small molecule drug developed by Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital. It is currently FDA-approved for HIV-1 infection, Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission.

Zidovudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that blocks HIV replication by inhibiting the enzyme reverse transcriptase, preventing the virus from converting its RNA genome into DNA.

Zidovudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that blocks HIV replication by inhibiting the enzyme reverse transcriptase, preventing the virus from converting its RNA genome into DNA. Used for HIV-1 infection, Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission.

At a glance

Generic nameZidovudine (drug)
SponsorJohann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital
Drug classNucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
TargetHIV reverse transcriptase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease / Virology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Zidovudine (AZT) is a thymidine analog that gets incorporated into the growing DNA chain during reverse transcription, causing chain termination and preventing HIV from replicating its genetic material. By inhibiting reverse transcriptase, it reduces viral load and slows disease progression in HIV-infected patients. It was the first antiretroviral drug approved for HIV treatment.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Zidovudine (drug)

What is Zidovudine (drug)?

Zidovudine (drug) is a Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) drug developed by Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital, indicated for HIV-1 infection, Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission.

How does Zidovudine (drug) work?

Zidovudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that blocks HIV replication by inhibiting the enzyme reverse transcriptase, preventing the virus from converting its RNA genome into DNA.

What is Zidovudine (drug) used for?

Zidovudine (drug) is indicated for HIV-1 infection, Prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission.

Who makes Zidovudine (drug)?

Zidovudine (drug) is developed and marketed by Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital (see full Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital pipeline at /company/johann-wolfgang-goethe-university-hospital).

What drug class is Zidovudine (drug) in?

Zidovudine (drug) belongs to the Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class. See all Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) drugs at /class/nucleoside-reverse-transcriptase-inhibitor-nrti.

What development phase is Zidovudine (drug) in?

Zidovudine (drug) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Zidovudine (drug)?

Common side effects of Zidovudine (drug) include Anemia, Neutropenia, Nausea, Headache, Fatigue, Lactic acidosis.

What does Zidovudine (drug) target?

Zidovudine (drug) targets HIV reverse transcriptase and is a Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).

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