Last reviewed · How we verify

Entecavir, Adefovir

Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Entecavir and Adefovir are nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors that block hepatitis B virus replication by inhibiting the viral polymerase enzyme.

Entecavir and Adefovir are nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors that block hepatitis B virus replication by inhibiting the viral polymerase enzyme. Used for Chronic hepatitis B infection, Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B, Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B.

At a glance

Generic nameEntecavir, Adefovir
SponsorNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
Drug classNucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor
TargetHepatitis B virus polymerase (reverse transcriptase)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaVirology/Hepatology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Both drugs are nucleoside analogues that are phosphorylated intracellularly and incorporated into the growing viral DNA chain, causing chain termination and preventing HBV replication. Entecavir is a guanosine analogue with higher potency and lower resistance rates, while Adefovir is an acyclic nucleotide analogue. They work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase activity of the hepatitis B polymerase.

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

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: