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Data updated: May 26, 2026

ZIAGEN (abacavir sulfate)

Infectious Disease Approved 1998-12-17

Ziagen helps patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. It is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to manage the virus. This drug is prescribed as part of a broader treatment plan for individuals living with HIV-1.

Source: FDA Label • VIIV HLTHCARE

How ZIAGEN Works

Ziagen works by inhibiting the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase enzyme. As a nucleoside analogue, it acts as an antiretroviral agent to disrupt the viral replication process. This mechanism helps limit the spread of the virus throughout the body.

6
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
1
Priority Reviews
27
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
1998-12-17
Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
SOLUTION, TABLET

Companies

Active Ingredient: ABACAVIR SULFATE

ZIAGEN Approval History

1999
2000
2001
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2018
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2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
62 FDA actions from 1998 to 2020 · 5 indication expansions
Nov 2020 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
May 2018 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Mar 2017 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What ZIAGEN Treats

1 indications

ZIAGEN is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 1998. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Source: FDA Label

ZIAGEN Boxed Warning

HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS Serious and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reactions, with multiple organ involvement, have occurred with ZIAGEN (abacavir). Patients who carry the HLA ‑ B*5701 allele are at a higher risk of a hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir; although, hypersensitivity reactions have occurred in patients who do not carry the HLA ‑ B*5701 allele [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . ZIAGEN is contraindicated in patients with a prior hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir and ...

ZIAGEN Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

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VIIV HLTHCARE
📋

Clinical Trial Registry

1 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT02101216 CTIX-14-03 Ph 1 completed Bioequivalence and Pharmacokinetic Study of Prurisol™ and Abacavir Sulfate in Healthy Volunteers
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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

ZIAGEN FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

ZIAGEN is indicated for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

WARNING: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS Serious and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reactions, with multiple organ involvement, have occurred with ZIAGEN (abacavir). Patients who carry the HLA ‑ B*5701 allele are at a higher risk of a hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir; although, hypersensitivity re...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.