An evaluation of entecavir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection in adults
Original Articles
An evaluation of entecavir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection in adults
DOI:
10.1586/17474124.2016.1125781
Hye Won Leeab, Jun Yong Parkabc & Sang Hoon Ahnabcd*
Publishing models and article dates explained
Received: 20 Sep 2015
Accepted: 25 Nov 2015
Accepted author version posted online: 26 Nov 2015
Published online: 08 Jan 2016
ABSTRACT
Entecavir is a nucleoside analogue of 2ʹ-deoxyguanosine whose intracellular triphosphate form inhibits replication of the hepatitis B virus. Entecavir is recommended as a first-line monotherapy option for nucleos(t)ide-naïve patients with HBeAg-positive or -negative chronic hepatitis B infection. Entecavir has a three-step mechanism of action: It maintains viral suppression with a greater than 90% chance of undetectable hepatitis B virus DNA during continuous therapy, improves liver histology, and reduces the risk of liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma development. The safety profile of long-term entecavir therapy is favorable; however, its optimal treatment duration is unknown. Entecavir monotherapy is not a rescue option for patients with lamivudine/adefovir resistance or baseline lamivudine-resistant mutants; rather, combination treatment is recommended for patients with lamivudine/adefovir resistance.