Question

Which of the following nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,

marketed as Retrovir, was one of the first drugs developed specifically
for the treatment of HIV?
a. stavudine
b. zidovudine
c. abacavir
d. lamivudine

Answer 1

Zidovudine, marketed as Retrovir, was one of the first and most important drugs developed for the treatment of HIV, working by inhibiting the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme to prevent viral replication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that was marketed as Retrovir and was one of the first drugs developed specifically for the treatment of HIV is zidovudine. Introduced in 1987, zidovudine was a groundbreaking medication that worked by inhibiting the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, a critical component in the viral replication process. This drug is an analog that mimics the natural nucleoside deoxythymidine triphosphate, but it lacks a 3'OH group, which prevents the further replication of the HIV DNA chain once it is incorporated.

Zidovudine is a crucial component in the fight against AIDS, and over the years, it has been used in combination therapies to help control the virus, even as drug-resistant strains have developed. The success of treatments involving zidovudine has significantly contributed to the longevity and quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS.