Nevirapine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used in the treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection. First synthesized in the late 1980s and approved by the U.S. FDA in 1996, nevirapine represented a significant advancement in antiretroviral therapy by specifically targeting the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, thereby inhibiting viral replication without incorporating into the host DNA. Its introduction offered an effective oral treatment option and became a key component of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), particularly in resource-limited settings due to its affordability and once-daily dosing. Over time, nevirapine has been widely used both for chronic HIV management and for preventing mother-to-child transmission, though its use requires monitoring for potential hepatotoxicity and skin reactions. Today, it remains an important antiretroviral agent, especially in global health programs addressing HIV/AIDS.
