Last reviewed · How we verify
Folic acid (FA)
Folic acid is a B vitamin that acts as a coenzyme in one-carbon transfer reactions essential for DNA synthesis and cell division.
Folic acid is a B vitamin that acts as a coenzyme in one-carbon transfer reactions essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Used for Folic acid deficiency anemia, Megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency, Prophylaxis of neural tube defects in pregnancy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Folic acid (FA) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Leucovorin |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Essen |
| Drug class | Vitamin B9 / Nutritional supplement |
| Target | Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) pathway; one-carbon metabolism |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Hematology / Nutritional deficiency |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Folic acid (vitamin B9) is converted to its active form, tetrahydrofolate, which serves as a carrier of one-carbon units in biosynthetic reactions. It is critical for the synthesis of purines and thymidylate, which are required for DNA replication and cell proliferation. Deficiency leads to impaired cell division and megaloblastic anemia.
Approved indications
- Folic acid deficiency anemia
- Megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency
- Prophylaxis of neural tube defects in pregnancy
- Supplementation in patients on methotrexate or other antifolate drugs
Common side effects
- Allergic reactions (rare)
- Nausea
- Abdominal distension
- Anorexia
Key clinical trials
- Early-Line Anti-EGFR Therapy to Facilitate Retreatment for Select Patients With mCRC (PHASE2)
- Preoperative FOLFOX Versus Postoperative Risk-adapted Chemotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (PHASE3)
- Diagnostic Accuracy of Folate-Targeted NIR-II Carbon Dots for Ex Vivo HCC Detection
- QoL in mCRC Elderly Patients Receiving First-line Therapy Based on Simplified Geriatric Parameters. (PHASE3)
- Testing the Use of Combination Immunotherapy Treatment (N-803 [ALT-803] Plus Pembrolizumab) Against the Usual Treatment for Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (A Lung-MAP Treatment Trial) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- A Study Evaluating the Combination of Encorafenib and Cetuximab Versus Irinotecan/Cetuximab or Infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/Folinic Acid (FA)/Irinotecan (FOLFIRI)/Cetuximab in Chinese Patients With BRAF V600E Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. (PHASE2)
- CPI-613 in Combination With Modified FOLFIRINOX in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- ELU001 in Pediatric Subjects Who Have Relapsed and/or Refractory CBFA2T3-GLIS2-positive AML (PHASE1)
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:
- Folic acid (FA) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Folic acid (FA) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University Hospital, Essen portfolio CI