Apricitabine is primarily used in the treatment of HIV infection. It functions as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), which helps to block the reverse transcriptase enzyme that the HIV virus uses to replicate its genetic material. By inhibiting this process, apricitabine reduces the viral load in the body and slows the progression of the disease. It is often considered for patients who have developed resistance to other NRTIs, as it has shown efficacy in such cases. Apricitabine is typically used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs as part of a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen to enhance its effectiveness and reduce the risk of further resistance. Its role in managing HIV makes it a valuable component in the ongoing effort to control and treat HIV/AIDS.