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lamivudine or entecavir

Sun Yat-sen University · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Lamivudine and entecavir are nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors that block viral replication by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV.

Lamivudine and entecavir are nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors that block viral replication by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV. Used for Chronic hepatitis B infection, HIV infection (lamivudine only, as part of combination antiretroviral therapy).

At a glance

Generic namelamivudine or entecavir
Also known asLAM-RFA
SponsorSun Yat-sen University
Drug classNucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) / Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NtRTI)
TargetHepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase; HIV reverse transcriptase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaVirology / Infectious Disease
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. Entecavir is a guanosine analogue with higher potency and a higher genetic barrier to resistance compared to lamivudine. These agents reduce viral load and slow disease progression in chronic viral infections.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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