ddI (didanosine, Videx/VidexEC)

ddI (didanosine, Videx/VidexEC) is an anti-HIV drug that reduces the amount of virus in the body. Anti-HIV drugs such as ddI slow down or prevent damage to the immune system and reduce the risk of developing AIDS-related illnesses .

Didanosine belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). When HIV infects a cell, the enzyme reverse transcriptase copies the viral single-stranded RNA genome into double-stranded viral DNA. This viral DNA is then integrated into the CD4 chromosomal DNA and can go on to reproduce in the body. Four natural nucleosides complete the DNA synthesis: adenosine, cytidine, quanosine, and thymidine. An NRTI drug substitutes a defective version of one of the nucleosides, causing premature termination of the proviral DNA chain.

ddI is also known by the chemical name 2’,3’-dideoxyinosine, by the generic name didanosine and by its trade names Videx and VidexEC. It is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

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