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FTC/TAF
FTC/TAF is a fixed-dose combination of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that blocks HIV reverse transcriptase to prevent viral replication.
FTC/TAF is a fixed-dose combination of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that blocks HIV reverse transcriptase to prevent viral replication. Used for HIV-1 infection in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced adults, HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in at-risk individuals.
At a glance
| Generic name | FTC/TAF |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Descovy, Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide, Emtricitabine 200mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg (F/TAF) |
| Sponsor | ViiV Healthcare |
| Drug class | Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor combination |
| Target | HIV reverse transcriptase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) are both nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs/NtRTIs) that work synergistically to inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase, an enzyme essential for viral replication. TAF is a prodrug of tenofovir with improved intracellular activation and lower systemic exposure compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), potentially reducing renal and bone toxicity while maintaining antiviral efficacy.
Approved indications
- HIV-1 infection in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced adults
- HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in at-risk individuals
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Renal impairment (rare with TAF vs TDF)
Key clinical trials
- Spotting Syphilis: A Dual Point-of-Care Syphilis Screening Initiative in a Low-Resource Healthcare Setting (NA)
- 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)
- Study of Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Fixed Dose Combination in Adolescents and Children With Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (PHASE2, 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)
- REINItiation of Antiretroviral Therapy Using Oral bicTegravir, emtrIcitAbine and Tenofovir alafenamidE: A Multi-Center, Single-Arm, Open-Label, Phase 4 Study Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of B/F/TAF in HIV-Positive Adults Returning to Care After Experiencing a Treatment Interruption of ≥12 Weeks (PHASE4)
- Implementation Study of Lenacapavir Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention
- A Study to Provide Continued Access to Study Drug to Children and Adolescents Who Have Completed Clinical Studies Involving Gilead HIV Treatments (PHASE4)
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 |