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emtricitabine, FTC (drug)
Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that blocks HIV reverse transcriptase, preventing the virus from converting its RNA genome into DNA and replicating.
Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that blocks HIV reverse transcriptase, preventing the virus from converting its RNA genome into DNA and replicating. Used for HIV-1 infection (in combination with other antiretroviral agents), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
At a glance
| Generic name | emtricitabine, FTC (drug) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | French National Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis |
| Drug class | Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) |
| Target | HIV reverse transcriptase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Virology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Emtricitabine is a cytidine analog that gets incorporated into the growing DNA chain during reverse transcription, causing chain termination and preventing HIV replication. It is highly selective for HIV reverse transcriptase and has activity against hepatitis B virus as well. The drug is typically used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress viral replication.
Approved indications
- HIV-1 infection (in combination with other antiretroviral agents)
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
Common side effects
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Hyperpigmentation (palms/soles)
Key clinical trials
- A Clinical Study of Islatravir and Ulonivirine for People With HIV-1 Who Have Not Been Treated Before (MK-8591B-062) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Switch to Doravirine/Islatravir (DOR/ISL) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) Participants Treated With Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) (MK-8591A-018) (PHASE3)
- ImPrEP LEN Brasil: Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention (NA)
- Study of Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Fixed Dose Combination in Adolescents and Children With Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- A Study of MK-8527 to Prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) (MK-8527-010) (PHASE3)
- Study of Cobicistat-Boosted Atazanavir (ATV/co), Cobicistat-Boosted Darunavir (DRV/co) and Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (F/TAF) in Children With HIV (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- A Clinical Study of MK-8527 to Prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) (MK-8527-011) (PHASE3)
- Injectable Cabotegravir Compared to TDF/FTC For PrEP in HIV-Uninfected Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex With Men (PHASE2, PHASE3)
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 |
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