Last reviewed · How we verify

entecavir, lamivudine

Asan Medical Center · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Entecavir and lamivudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that block hepatitis B virus replication by inhibiting the viral reverse transcriptase enzyme.

Entecavir and lamivudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that block hepatitis B virus replication by inhibiting the viral reverse transcriptase enzyme. Used for Chronic hepatitis B infection.

At a glance

Generic nameentecavir, lamivudine
Also known asEntecavir:baraclude, Lamivudine: zeffix
SponsorAsan Medical Center
Drug classNucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
TargetHepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaVirology / Hepatology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Both drugs are nucleoside analogues that get incorporated into the growing viral DNA chain during HBV replication, causing chain termination and preventing further viral DNA synthesis. Lamivudine was the first-line agent historically, while entecavir is a more potent second-generation inhibitor with a higher genetic barrier to resistance. This combination targets the same enzyme but may provide additive or synergistic antiviral effects.

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: