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Efavirenz (EFV)

Janssen-Cilag S.p.A. · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Efavirenz (EFV) is a Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) Small molecule drug developed by Janssen-Cilag S.p.A.. It is currently FDA-approved for HIV-1 infection (in combination with other antiretroviral agents). Also known as: Sustiva, EFV.

Efavirenz inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase, blocking the enzyme that converts viral RNA into DNA and preventing HIV replication.

Efavirenz inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase, blocking the enzyme that converts viral RNA into DNA and preventing HIV replication. Used for HIV-1 infection (in combination with other antiretroviral agents).

At a glance

Generic nameEfavirenz (EFV)
Also known asSustiva, EFV
SponsorJanssen-Cilag S.p.A.
Drug classNon-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)
TargetHIV reverse transcriptase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease / Virology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that binds directly to HIV reverse transcriptase and blocks its catalytic activity. By preventing the conversion of viral RNA to DNA, it interrupts the HIV replication cycle early in infection. It is typically used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) to suppress viral load in HIV-infected patients.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Efavirenz (EFV)

What is Efavirenz (EFV)?

Efavirenz (EFV) is a Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) drug developed by Janssen-Cilag S.p.A., indicated for HIV-1 infection (in combination with other antiretroviral agents).

How does Efavirenz (EFV) work?

Efavirenz inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase, blocking the enzyme that converts viral RNA into DNA and preventing HIV replication.

What is Efavirenz (EFV) used for?

Efavirenz (EFV) is indicated for HIV-1 infection (in combination with other antiretroviral agents).

Who makes Efavirenz (EFV)?

Efavirenz (EFV) is developed and marketed by Janssen-Cilag S.p.A. (see full Janssen-Cilag S.p.A. pipeline at /company/janssen-cilag-s-p-a).

Is Efavirenz (EFV) also known as anything else?

Efavirenz (EFV) is also known as Sustiva, EFV.

What drug class is Efavirenz (EFV) in?

Efavirenz (EFV) belongs to the Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) class. See all Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) drugs at /class/non-nucleoside-reverse-transcriptase-inhibitor-nnrti.

What development phase is Efavirenz (EFV) in?

Efavirenz (EFV) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Efavirenz (EFV)?

Common side effects of Efavirenz (EFV) include Dizziness, Rash, Nausea, Headache, Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, anxiety, impaired concentration), Elevated liver enzymes.

What does Efavirenz (EFV) target?

Efavirenz (EFV) targets HIV reverse transcriptase and is a Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI).

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing