Azidothymidine

Abstract

Azidothymidine is active against HIV and effective in patients with AIDS or ARC, as it clearly prolongs life. However the rapid development and marketing of this drug has left some crucial questions under discussion. Trials all over the world are currently under way to confirm the effectiveness and toxicity of AZT when administered for a prolonged period, to appreciate its potential benefits in patients in other HIV-related conditions and to determine whether it can prevent evolution towards ARC or AIDS in HIV asymptomatic carriers.