When AZT, also known as zidovudine and azidothymidine, was first manufactured, it was intended for use as an anti-cancer drug, but never received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for that function. In the mid-1980s, however, it became one of the first pharmaceuticals approved to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. In fact, the typical 8 to 10 years of trials and studies that are usually associated with FDA approval of a new drug were significantly reduced for AZT. Due to the extreme need for some form of relief from the disease and heavy lobbying efforts, AZT received official approval in less than two years.