The second type of drug to be developed to fight HIV were non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, abbreviated NNRTI, and approved in 1996. Like nucleoside RT inhibitors, NNRTI’s stop the conversion of HIV RNA to DNA prior to integration into the host cell DNA.

These drugs work by changing the shape of the enzyme reverse transcriptase so they will not fit the HIV RNA. As a result the RNA will never be converted into DNA and it will never be integrated into the host cell DNA.

NNRTI’s are very specific to HIV-1 and are ineffective against HIV-2. For more information on the differences between these strains, click here.

For more information on reverse transcription, click here.

Current FDA approved Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

Generic Name	Brand Name	Quantity per day	Year Approved
efavirenz	Sustiva	Three 300mg pills	1998
Delavirdine (DLV)	Rescriptor	Twelve 100mg tablets	1997
nevirapine	Viramune	One 200mg pill – first 14 days Two 200mg pills – after 14 days	1996

Note: Clicking on the brand names will redirect you to the manufacturer's product information page.

Sources

1. Antiretrovirals at a Glance. Chart. Princeton: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 2001.
2. "Drugs Used in the Treatment of HIV Infection." U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 10 Feb. 2004 <http://www.fda.gov/oashi/aids/virals.html>.
3. General Overview of NNRTI. 10 Feb. 2004 <http://www.hivpositive.com/f-Treatment/5-Treatments/f-NNRTIs/NNRTI-Overview.html>.
4. Silverstein, Alvin. AIDS: An All-About Guide for Young Adults. Springfield: Enslow Publishers, 1999.