Main types of HIV drugs
There are many types (or classes) of ARVs – and others are in development. Each class works at a different stage of the HIV life cycle.
Every combination uses at least two different types of drugs.
This website has info on each HIV drug – old or new.
| Abbreviation | Full name(s) |
|---|---|
| NRTIs/NtRTIs (“nukes”) | nucleoside/tide reverse transcriptase inhibitors or nucleoside/tide analogues |
| NNRTIs (“non-nukes”) |
non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors |
| PIs | protease inhibitors |
| INIs (or INSTIs) | integrase strand transfer inhibitors |
| CCR5 inhibitors | CCR5 inhibitors are a type of entry inhibitor |
| mAbs | monoclonal antibodies – which also block entry to the CD4 cell |
| Fusion inhibitors | fusion inhibitors are a type of entry inhibitor |
| PK boosters | Ritonavir or cobicistat are included in some combinations to boost another drug |
There are more than 30 HIV drugs and formulations. Luckily, only a few combinations are commonly used.
See also: Figure 5: HIV life cycle – how drugs work in different ways.
Last updated: 1 June 2022.