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3TC
3TC (lamivudine) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that blocks HIV reverse transcriptase, preventing viral replication.
3TC (lamivudine) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that blocks HIV reverse transcriptase, preventing viral replication. Used for HIV-1 infection (in combination with other antiretroviral agents), Chronic hepatitis B infection.
At a glance
| Generic name | 3TC |
|---|---|
| Also known as | lamivudine, Lamivudine, Lamivudine placebo, Epivir, Epivir® |
| Sponsor | Avexa |
| Drug class | Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) |
| Target | HIV reverse transcriptase; hepatitis B polymerase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
3TC is a cytidine analog that gets incorporated into the growing DNA chain during reverse transcription, causing chain termination and preventing the conversion of HIV RNA to DNA. This blocks a critical step in the HIV replication cycle. It is also active against hepatitis B virus through the same mechanism.
Approved indications
- HIV-1 infection (in combination antiretroviral therapy)
- Chronic hepatitis B
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Pancreatitis
- Peripheral neuropathy
Key clinical trials
- Exploration of the Variability of Exposure to Antiretroviral Treatment in Hair With a View to Validating Its Value as a Diagnostic Tool for Partial and/or Total Non-compliance With Treatment
- Study of Cobicistat-Boosted Atazanavir (ATV/co), Cobicistat-Boosted Darunavir (DRV/co) and Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (F/TAF) in Children With HIV (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Long-acting Intramuscular Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine for Maintenance of Virologic Suppression Following Switch From an Integrase Inhibitor in HIV-1 Infected Therapy Naive Participants (PHASE3)
- A Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate Solutions for the Management of Virologic Failure on TLD in Sub-Saharan Africa (NA)
- A Study to Provide Continued Access to Study Drug to Children and Adolescents Who Have Completed Clinical Studies Involving Gilead HIV Treatments (PHASE4)
- A Phase 2b Study Evaluating Oral VH4524184 Regimens in Treatment Naïve Persons With HIV-1 (INNOVATE Study) (PHASE2)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, Participant Choice and Preference of an Oral Once-daily Regimen or a Long-acting Injectable Regimen Every Two Months for Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) in Adults Who Have Not Previously Taken Antiretroviral Therapy (PHASE3)
- Entecavir Resistance-Associated Mutations in Chronic HBV Patients in Turkey (STREAM Study)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- 3TC CI brief — competitive landscape report
- 3TC updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Avexa portfolio CI