Emtricitabine in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Mini Review

Emtricitabine is a cytosine nucleoside analog with antiviral activity against both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is structurally similar to lamivudine; it differs only by a fluorine at the 5-position of the nucleic acid. This review focuses on the efficacy and tolerability of FTC in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, both HBeAg and anti-HBe-positive. Relevant literature was identified through searches of MEDLINE (2001-January 2008). The review of literature suggests that the role of emtricitabine as monotherapy may be limited by its structural similarity to lamivudine and the corresponding risk of development of drug resistance; however, some studies seem to evidence an efficacy for emtricitabine in association with other antiviral drugs, as adefovir dipivoxil and clevudine. Other studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this new drug in particular in association with other antiviral drugs.