Ziagen
® (
abacavir sulfate) is a prescription medication that is used as a
treatment for HIV and
AIDS. It is only approved for use in combination with other
HIV medications.
(Click Ziagen Uses for more information on what Ziagen is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Ziagen is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
Ziagen belongs to a group of HIV medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). These medicines work by blocking a process that the HIV virus needs in order to multiply.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. Like other viruses, HIV must use a person's own cells to reproduce. However, HIV is a little different than other viruses because it must first convert its genetic material from RNA to DNA. It is the DNA genes that allow HIV to multiply.
HIV converts its genetic material by using a special protein called the reverse transcriptase enzyme. To create DNA, this enzyme uses several different protein building blocks.
Ziagen works by tricking reverse transcriptase into thinking it is one of these protein building blocks. However, it is just different enough that when used to create DNA, Ziagen actually stops the DNA from being made. Without DNA, HIV cannot multiply.
Ziagen is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Although Ziagen can help stop HIV from infecting uninfected cells in the body, it does not help cells that have already been infected with the virus.
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