Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a great epidemic t hreatening disease, is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), particu larly the strain known as HIV-1. Nevirapine, a novel non-nucleoside reverse tr anscriptase (RT) inhibitor combined with nucleoside analogue RT inhibitors or pr otease inhibitors, can be used in treatment of patients with HIV infection. AS a n agent used alone, nevirapine can prevent vertical transmission or HIV infectio n.