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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
11:34
A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target
Published on: May 10, 2022
Entecavir: a step forward in combating hepatitis B disease.
1University of Ankara Medical School, Cebeci Tip Fakultesi Hastanesi, Gastroenteroloji Klinigi, Dikimevi, 06100 Ankara, Turkey. cihan.yurdaydin@medicine.ankara.edu.tr
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|November 14, 2008
Summary
Entecavir (ETV) is a potent antiviral medication that effectively inhibits hepatitis B virus replication. Clinical trials demonstrate superior efficacy and a favorable safety profile for ETV compared to lamivudine.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Entecavir (ETV) is a potent deoxyguanosine nucleoside analog.
- ETV possesses a very good safety record in clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of entecavir.
- To cover mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety.
Main Methods:
- Extensive literature search.
- Review of clinical trials and scientific data.
Main Results:
- ETV inhibits all three steps of hepatitis B virus replication.
- ETV demonstrated superior efficacy compared to lamivudine (LVD) in treatment-naive and LVD-refractory patients.
- Low rates of resistance (1.2%) and viral breakthrough (0.8%) observed after 5 years in treatment-naive patients.
Conclusions:
- ETV is highly effective in inhibiting hepatitis B virus replication.
- Prolonged entecavir treatment leads to improved efficacy.
- Entecavir exhibits low cytotoxicity and an excellent safety profile.
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