Several studies of abacavir (Ziagen) were presented at the recent International Conference on AIDS in Durban. Most of the results are preliminary and are based only on interim analysis, but they do extend our knowledge of the use of the drug. They suggest that short-term use of a three-drug combination containing abacavir may be as effective as a three-drug combination including a protease inhibitor. If these results hold up in longer term use, it will suggest there are many reasonable options for achieving good success with an initial three drug regimen and perhaps it doesn't matter whether the combination employs a protease inhibitor, a non-nucleoside drug or three drugs from the nucleoside class.