Review Article | | Peer-Reviewed

Current Clinical Applications of Entecavir in Hepatitis B Viruses Infection

Received: 27 October 2025     Accepted: 7 November 2025     Published: 17 December 2025
Views:       Downloads:
Abstract

Entecavir (ETV) is a guanosine nucleoside analogue widely used in the management of chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection. It demonstrates consistent antiviral activity, favourable tolerability, and a high genetic barrier to resistance, making it a reliable option across diverse clinical settings. Evidence from clinical trials and real-world studies confirms that ETV achieves sustained viral suppression, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization, and histological improvement, contributing to reduced long-term risks of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Its pharmacokinetic properties and antiviral effectiveness have been established in both treatment-naïve and lamivudine-resistant patients. ETV maintains clinical utility in various special populations, including individuals with decompensated cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, post-transplant status, and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy. In these groups, ETV retains efficacy with limited drug-drug interactions and a generally mild adverse-event profile. Optimal adherence to therapy remains essential to ensure sustained viral suppression and minimize the risk of treatment failure. In addition to established clinical roles, emerging research has explored new formulations and potential therapeutic applications of ETV, including long-acting delivery strategies and its possible relevance in oncologic contexts. These developments highlight continued interest in optimizing the use of ETV in HBV management. Overall, ETV remains a well-supported antiviral agent that combines durable efficacy, safety, and broad applicability in the treatment of chronic HBV infection.

Published in International Journal of Infectious Diseases and Therapy (Volume 10, Issue 4)
DOI 10.11648/j.ijidt.20251004.11
Page(s) 68-84
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Entecavir, Hepatitis B, Antiviral Agents, Therapeutic Use, Drug Resistance, Viral, Treatment Outcome

References
[1] Tang H, Griffin J, Innaimo S, Lehman-Mckeeman L, Llamoso C. The discovery and development of a potent antiviral drug, entecavir, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis b. Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology. 2013; 1(1).
[2] PubChem Compound Summary for CID 135398508, Entecavir National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2024 [accessed 17 July 2024]. Available from:
[3] Broquetas T, Carrión JA. Current Perspectives on Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Therapy for the Long-Term Treatment of Hepatitis B Virus. Hepatic Medicine: Evidence and Research. 2022; 14: 87-100.
[4] Yamanaka G, Wilson T, Innaimo S, Bisacchi GS, Egli P, Rinehart JK, et al. Metabolic studies on BMS-200475, a new antiviral compound active against hepatitis B virus. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 1999; 43(1).
[5] Baraclude (entecavir) package insert Bristol-Myers Squibb Co; [accessed 17 July 2024]. Available from:
[6] Yan J, Bifano M, Olsen S, Smith RA, Zhang D, Grasela DM, et al. Entecavir Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability After Multiple Ascending Doses in Healthy Subjects. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2006; 46(11): 1250-1258.
[7] Henriquez-Camacho C, Hijas-Gomez AI, Risco Risco C, Ruiz Lapuente MA, Escudero-Sanchez R, Cuerda VM. Lamivudine and Entecavir for Acute Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Viruses. 2023; 15(11): 2241.
[8] Sarin SK, Kumar M, Lau GK, Abbas Z, Chan HLY, Chen CJ, et al. Asian-Pacific clinical practice guidelines on the management of hepatitis B: a 2015 update. Hepatology International. 2016; 10(1): 1-98.
[9] Terrault NA, Lok ASF, McMahon BJ, Chang K, Hwang JP, Jonas MM, et al. Update on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic hepatitis B: AASLD 2018 hepatitis B guidance. Hepatology. 2018; 67(4): 1560-1579.
[10] Chang TT, Liaw YF, Wu SS, Schiff E, Han KH, Lai CL, et al. Long-term entecavir therapy results in the reversal of fibrosis/cirrhosis and continued histological improvement in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology. 2010; 52(3): 886-893.
[11] Chang TT, Lai CL, Kew Yoon S, Lee SS, Coelho HSM, Carrilho FJ, et al. Entecavir treatment for up to 5 years in patients with hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology. 2010; 51(2): 422-430.
[12] World Health Organization. Guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment for people with chronic hepatitis B infection 2024 2024 [accessed 17 July 2024]. Available from:
[13] Lampertico P, Agarwal K, Berg T, Buti M, Janssen HL, Papatheodoridis G, et al. EASL 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatitis B virus infection. Journal of Hepatology. 2017; 67(2): 370-398.
[14] Ozdemir YE, Sahin Ozdemir M, Bayramlar OF, Surme S, Yildiz Kaya S, Karaali R, et al. Long-term follow-up of treatment-naïve HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B. Irish Journal of Medical Science. 2023; 192(2): 633-639.
[15] Chang TT, Gish RG, de Man R, Gadano A, Sollano J, Chao YC, et al. A comparison of entecavir and lamivudine for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. New England Journal of Medicine. 2006; 354(10): 1001-1010.
[16] Yuen MF, Seto WK, Fung J, Wong DKH, Yuen JCH, Lai CL. Three years of continuous entecavir therapy in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients: Viral suppression, viral resistance, and clinical safety. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2011; 106(7): 1264.
[17] Celen MK, Dal T, Ayaz C, Bayan K, Mert D, Devecil O, et al. Four-year study of entecavir efficacy and safety in nucleos(t)ide-naïve HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients. Acta Clinica Croatica. 2014; 53(1): 31-36.
[18] Shin JW, Jung SW, Park BR, Kim CJ, Eum JB, Kim BG, et al. Prediction of response to entecavir therapy in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B based on on-treatment HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA levels. Journal of Viral Hepatitis. 2012; 19(10): 724-731.
[19] Bowden S, Locarnini S, Chang TT, Chao YC, Han KH, Gish RG, et al. Covalently closed-circular hepatitis B virus DNA reduction with entecavir or lamivudine. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2015; 21(15): 4644-4651.
[20] Leung N, Peng CY, Hann HW, Sollano J, Lao-Tan J, Hsu CW, et al. Early hepatitis B virus DNA reduction in HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B: A randomized international study of entecavir versus adefovir. Hepatology. 2009; 49(1): 72-79.
[21] Zheng MH, Shi KQ, Dai ZJ, Ye C, Chen YP. A 24-week, parallel-group, open-label, randomized clinical trial comparing the early antiviral efficacy of telbivudine and entecavir in the treatment of hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adult Chinese patients. Clinical Therapeutics. 2010; 32(4): 649-658.
[22] Cui YL, Yan F, Wang YB, Song XQ, Liu L, Lei XZ, et al. Nucleoside analogue can improve the long-term prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus infection-associated acute on chronic liver failure. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 2010; 55(8): 2373-2380.
[23] Seto WK, Lai CL, Yuen MF. Acute-on-chronic liver failure in chronic hepatitis B. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2012; 27(4): 662-669.
[24] Toka B, Koksal AS, Iskender G, Cakmak E, Uskudar O, Sezikli M, et al. HBV flare associated with immunosuppressive treatments: It is still dangerous in the third-generation antivirals era. Antiviral Therapy. 2020; 25(3): 121-129.
[25] Shu X, Xu QH, Chen N, Zhang K, Li G. The clinic features and the short-term efficacy of entecavir treatment of the HBeAg negative acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure. Zhonghua Shi Yan He Lin Chuang Bing Du Xue Za Zhi. 2008; 22(6): 481-483.
[26] Kim JH, Park YK, Park ES, Kim KH. Molecular diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant hepatitis B virus. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2014; 20(19): 5708.
[27] Tenney DJ, Rose RE, Baldick CJ, Pokornowski KA, Eggers BJ, Fang J, et al. Long-term monitoring shows hepatitis B virus resistance to entecavir in nucleoside-naïve patients is rare through 5 years of therapy. Hepatology. 2009; 49(5): 1503-1514.
[28] Yao G, Chen C, Lu W, Ren H, Tan D, Wang Y, et al. Entecavir achieves superior virologic response compared to lamivudine for chronic hepatitis B: 2-year results from a phase 3 study in nucleoside-naïve patients in China (ETV-023). Hepatology. 2006; 44(Suppl): 559A.
[29] Yao G, Zhou X, Xu D, Wang B, Ren H, Jiang M, et al. Entecavir results in early viral load reduction in chronic hepatitis B patients who have failed lamivudine therapy: A randomized, placebo-controlled study in China. Journal of Hepatology. 2006; 44(Suppl 2): S193.
[30] Lau G, Yu ML, Wong G, Thompson A, Ghazinian H, Hou JL, et al. APASL clinical practice guideline on hepatitis B reactivation related to the use of immunosuppressive therapy. Hepatology International. 2021; 15(5): 1031-1048.
[31] Chen FW, Coyle L, Jones BE, Pattullo V. Entecavir versus lamivudine for hepatitis B prophylaxis in patients with haematological disease. Liver International. 2013; 33(8): 1203-1210.
[32] Huang H, Li X, Zhu J, Ye S, Zhang H, Wang W, et al. Entecavir vs Lamivudine for prevention of hepatitis B virus reactivation among patients with untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma receiving R-CHOP chemotherapy. JAMA. 2014; 312(23): 2521.
[33] Siyahian A, Malik SU, Mushtaq A, Howe CL, Majeed A, Zangeneh T, et al. Prophylaxis for hepatitis B virus reactivation after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in the era of drug resistance and newer antivirals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. 2018; 24(7): 1483-1489.
[34] Baraclude Product Information European Medicines Agency; [accessed 17 July 2024]. Available from:
[35] Hou JL, Zhao W, Lee C, Hann HW, Peng CY, Tanwandee T, et al. Outcomes of long-term treatment of chronic HBV infection with entecavir or other agents from a randomized trial in 24 countries. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2020; 18(2): 457-467.e21.
[36] Kim CW, Kim CS, Kim HY, Lee CD, Yu K, Llamoso C, et al. Large-scale surveillance study of the safety and effectiveness of entecavir in Korean patients with chronic hepatitis B. Korean Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018; 33(1): 91-101.
[37] Gish RG. Clinical trial results of new therapies for HBV: Implications for treatment guidelines. Seminars in Liver Disease. 2005; 25: 29-39.
[38] Lai CL, Shouval D, Lok AS, Chang TT, Cheinquer H, Goodman Z, et al. Entecavir versus Lamivudine for patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. New England Journal of Medicine. 2006; 354(10): 1011-1020.
[39] Sims KA, Woodland AM. Entecavir: A new nucleoside analog for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection. Pharmacotherapy. 2006; 26(12): 1745-1757.
[40] Matthews SJ. Entecavir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Clinical Therapeutics. 2006; 28(2): 184-203.
[41] Manns MP, Akarca US, Chang TT, Sievert W, Yoon SK, Tsai N, et al. Long-term safety and tolerability of entecavir in patients with chronic hepatitis B in the rollover study ETV-901. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety. 2012; 11(3): 361-368.
[42] Sollano JJ, Schiff E, Carrilho FJ, Raptopoulou-Gigi M, Cooney E, Hindes R, et al. Entecavir is well-tolerated for treatment of chronic hepatitis B: Phase III safety analysis in nucleoside-naive and lamivudine-refractory patients. Hepatology. 2004; 40(Suppl): 665A.
[43] Lok AS, Trinh H, Carosi G, Akarca US, Gadano A, Habersetzer F, et al. Efficacy of entecavir with or without tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for nucleos(t)ide-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B. Gastroenterology. 2012; 143(3): 619-628.e1.
[44] Xie Q, Zhou H, Bai X, Wu S, Chen JJ, Sheng J, et al. A randomized, open-label clinical study of combined pegylated interferon alfa-2a (40KD) and entecavir treatment for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2014; 59(12): 1714-1723.
[45] Brouwer WP, Xie Q, Sonneveld MJ, Zhang N, Zhang Q, Tabak F, et al. Adding pegylated interferon to entecavir for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B: A multicenter randomized trial (ARES study). Hepatology. 2015; 61(5): 1512-1522.
[46] Luo A, Jiang X, Ren H. Entecavir-based combination therapies for chronic hepatitis B. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018; 97(51): e13596.
[47] Wang Y, Liao J, Zhang D, Wu D, Tao Y, Wang M, et al. Tenofovir monotherapy versus tenofovir plus entecavir combination therapy in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis patients with partial virological response to entecavir. Journal of Medical Virology. 2020; 92(3): 302-308.
[48] Cho EJ, Yu SJ, Kwon SY, Kim JH, Kim DY, Kim W, et al. Concomitant food intake does not affect the efficacy of entecavir in chronic hepatitis B patients with virological response: A randomized, multicenter, noninferiority trial. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2018; 12: 3767-3774.
[49] Shu W, Ma L, Hu X, Zhang M, Chen W, Ma W, et al. Drug-drug interaction between crizotinib and entecavir via renal secretory transporter OCT2. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2020; 142: 105153.
[50] Cao L, Li S, Dong J, Wen J, Ding L, Ge Y, et al. Safety of entecavir antiviral therapy during an accidental pregnancy in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Biomedical Reports. 2023; 19(4): 72.
[51] Yang R, Yin N, Zhao Y, Li D, Zhang X, Li X, et al. Adverse events during pregnancy associated with entecavir and adefovir: New insights from a real-world analysis of cases reported to FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2022; 12.
[52] Ma Z, Yang X, Jiang T, Bai M, Zheng C, Zeng S, et al. Multiple SLC and ABC transporters contribute to the placental transfer of entecavir. Drug Metabolism and Disposition. 2017; 45(3): 269-278.
[53] Shim JH, Lee HC, Kim KM, Lim YS, Chung YH, Lee YS, et al. Efficacy of entecavir in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis. J Hepatol. 2010; 52(2): 176-182.
[54] Schiff E, Simsek H, Lee WM, Chao YC, Sette Jr H, Janssen HL, et al. Efficacy and safety of entecavir in patients with chronic hepatitis B and advanced hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008; 103(11): 2776-2783.
[55] Hosaka T, Suzuki F, Kobayashi M, Seko Y, Kawamura Y, Sezaki H, et al. Long-term entecavir treatment reduces hepatocellular carcinoma incidence in patients with hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatology. 2013; 58(1): 98-107.
[56] Su TH, Hu TH, Chen CY, Huang YH, Chuang WL, Lin CC, et al. Four-year entecavir therapy reduces hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhotic events and mortality in chronic hepatitis B patients. Liver International. 2016; 36(12): 1755-1764.
[57] Wong GLH, Chan HLY, Mak CWH, Lee SKY, Ip ZMY, Lam ATH, et al. Entecavir treatment reduces hepatic events and deaths in chronic hepatitis B patients with liver cirrhosis. Hepatology. 2013; 58(5): 1537-1547.
[58] Koklu S, Tuna Y, Gulsen MT, Demir M, Koksal AS, Kockar MC, et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of lamivudine, entecavir, and tenofovir for treatment of hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2013; 11(1): 88-94.
[59] European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). EASL clinical practice guidelines: Management of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Journal of Hepatology. 2012; 57(1): 167-185.
[60] Papatheodoridis GV, Dalekos GN, Yurdaydin C, Buti M, Goulis J, Arends P, et al. Incidence and predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma in Caucasian chronic hepatitis B patients receiving entecavir or tenofovir. Journal of Hepatology. 2015; 62(2): 363-370.
[61] Papatheodoridis GV, Idilman R, Dalekos GN, Buti M, Chi H, van Boemmel F, et al. The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma decreases after the first 5 years of entecavir or tenofovir in Caucasians with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology. 2017; 66(5).
[62] Verdonk RC, van den Berg AP, Slooff MJ, Porte RJ, Haagsma EB. Liver transplantation: an update. Netherlands Journal of Medicine. 2007; 65(10): 372-380.
[63] Hu TH, Chen CL, Lin CC, Wang CC, Chiu KW, Yong CC, et al. Combination of entecavir plus low-dose on-demand hepatitis B immunoglobulin is effective with very low hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation. Transplantation. 2014; 97(Suppl): S53-S59.
[64] Pipili CL, Papatheodoridis GV, Cholongitas EC. Treatment of hepatitis B in patients with chronic kidney disease. Kidney International. 2013; 84(5): 880-885.
[65] Tekin S, Karakecili F, Devrim Binay U, Celik I, Tulek N, Tutuncu E, et al. Management of chronic hepatitis B in special patient groups: A consensus report of the Study Group for Viral Hepatitis of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases-2023. Klimik Dergisi. 2023; 36(Suppl 1): 23-42.
[66] Hoffmann CJ, Seaberg EC, Young S, Witt MD, D’Acunto K, Phair J, et al. Hepatitis B and long-term HIV outcomes in coinfected HAART recipients. AIDS. 2009; 23(14): 1881-1889.
[67] Puoti M, Torti C, Bruno R, Filice G, Carosi G. Natural history of chronic hepatitis B in co-infected patients. Journal of Hepatology. 2006; 44(Suppl): S65-S70.
[68] Thio CL, Seaberg EC, Skolasky R, Phair J, Visscher B, Muñoz A, et al. HIV-1, hepatitis B virus, and risk of liver-related mortality in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Lancet. 2002; 360(9349): 1921-1926.
[69] Shaheen AA, AlMattooq M, Yazdanfar S, Burak KW, Swain MG, Congly SE, et al. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate significantly decreases serum lipoprotein levels compared with entecavir nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in chronic hepatitis B carriers. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2017; 46(6): 599-604.
[70] Lai RM, Lin S, Wang MM, Li N, Zhou JH, Lin XY, et al. Tenofovir alafenamide significantly increased serum lipid levels compared with entecavir therapy in chronic hepatitis B virus patients. World Journal of Hepatology. 2023; 15(8): 964-972.
[71] Jeong J, Shin JW, Jung SW, Park EJ, Park NH. Tenofovir alafenamide treatment may not worsen the lipid profile of chronic hepatitis B patients: A propensity score-matched analysis. Clinical and Molecular Hepatology. 2022; 28(2): 254-264.
[72] Colonno RJ, Rose R, Baldick CJ, Levine S, Pokornowski K, Yu CF, et al. Entecavir resistance is rare in nucleoside naïve patients with hepatitis B. Hepatology. 2006; 44(6): 1656-1665.
[73] Zoutendijk R, Reijnders JGP, Brown A, Zoulim F, Mutimer D, Deterding K, et al. Entecavir treatment for chronic hepatitis B: Adaptation is not needed for the majority of naïve patients with a partial virological response. Hepatology. 2011; 54(2): 443-451.
[74] Lee HW, Kwon JC, Oh IS, Chang HY, Cha YJ, Choi IS, et al. Prolonged entecavir therapy is not effective for HBeAg seroconversion in treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B patients with a partial virological response. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2015; 59(9): 5348-5356.
[75] Pawłowska M, Domagalski K, Smok B, Rajewski P, Wietlicka-Piszcz M, Halota W, et al. Continuous up to 4 years entecavir treatment of HBV-infected adolescents: A longitudinal real-life study. PLoS One. 2016; 11(9): e0163691.
[76] Kao JH, Jeng WJ, Ning Q, Su TH, Tseng TC, Ueno Y, et al. APASL guidance on stopping nucleos(t)ide analogues in chronic hepatitis B patients. Hepatology International. 2021; 15(4): 833-851.
[77] Chang TT, Liaw YF, Wu SS, Schiff E, Han KH, Lai CL, et al. Entecavir treatment for up to 5 years in patients with hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology. 2010; 51(2): 422-430.
[78] Gish RG, Lok AS, Chang TT, de Man RA, Gadano A, Sollano J, et al. Entecavir therapy for up to 96 weeks in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. Gastroenterology. 2007; 133(5): 1437-1444.
[79] Pol S, Lampertico P. First-line treatment of chronic hepatitis B with entecavir or tenofovir in real-life settings: From clinical trials to clinical practice. Journal of Viral Hepatitis. 2012; 19(6): 377-386.
[80] Aljumah AA, Selayem NAB, Al-Howti SY, Dafallah M, AlGhamdi H, Mokhtar H, et al. Clinical and virological outcomes of entecavir therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A real-life experience. Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy. 2019; 25(1): 12-16.
[81] Lee HW, Park JY, Ahn SH. An evaluation of entecavir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection in adults. Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2016; 10(2): 177-186.
[82] Hou JL, Jia JD, Wei L, Zhao W, Wang YM, Cheng M, et al. Efficacy and safety of entecavir treatment in a heterogeneous CHB population from a real-world clinical practice setting in China. Journal of Viral Hepatitis. 2013; 20(11): 811-820.
[83] Ridruejo E, Marciano S, Galdame O, Reggiardo MV, Muñoz AE, Adrover R, et al. Efficacy and safety of long-term entecavir in treatment-naïve patients in clinical practice. Annals of Hepatology. 2014; 13(3): 327-336.
[84] Buti M, Morillas RM, Prieto M, Diago M, Pérez J, Solà R, et al. Efficacy and safety of entecavir in clinical practice in treatment-naive Caucasian chronic hepatitis B patients. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2012; 24(5): 535.
[85] Ahn J, Lee HM, Lim JK, Pan CQ, Nguyen MH, Kim WR, et al. Entecavir safety and effectiveness in a national cohort of treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients in the US (ENUMERATE). Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2016; 43(1): 134-144.
[86] Wang Q, Zhao H, Deng Y, Zheng H, Xiang H, Nan Y, et al. Validation of Baveno VII criteria for recompensation in entecavir-treated patients with hepatitis B-related decompensated cirrhosis. Journal of Hepatology. 2022; 77(6): 1564-1572.
[87] Yue-Meng W, Li YH, Wu HM, Yang J, Xu Y, Yang LH, et al. Telbivudine versus lamivudine and entecavir for treatment-naïve decompensated hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis. Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 2017; 17(2): 233-241.
[88] Xu Y, Zhang YG, Wang X, Qi WQ, Qin SY, Liu ZH, et al. Long-term antiviral efficacy of entecavir and liver histology improvement in Chinese patients with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2015; 21(25): 7869-1876.
[89] Hsu YC, Wong GLH, Chen CH, Peng CY, Yeh ML, Cheung KS, et al. Tenofovir versus entecavir for hepatocellular carcinoma prevention in an international consortium of chronic hepatitis B. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2020; 115(2): 271-280.
[90] Kim BG, Park NH, Lee SB, Lee H, Lee BU, Park JH, et al. Mortality, liver transplantation and hepatic complications in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B treated with entecavir vs tenofovir. Journal of Viral Hepatitis. 2018; 25(12): 1565-1575.
[91] Kim SU, Seo YS, Lee HA, Kim MN, Lee YR, Lee HW, et al. A multicenter study of entecavir vs tenofovir on prognosis of treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B in South Korea. Journal of Hepatology. 2019; 71(3): 456-464.
[92] Lee SW, Kwon JH, Lee HL, Yoo SH, Nam HC, Sung PS, et al. Comparison of tenofovir and entecavir on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B in Korea: A large-scale, propensity score analysis. Gut. 2020; 69(7): 1301-1308.
[93] Choi WM, Yip TCF, Wong GLH, Kim WR, Yee LJ, Brooks-Rooney C, et al. Hepatocellular carcinoma risk in chronic hepatitis B patients receiving tenofovir- vs entecavir-based regimens: Individual patient data meta-analysis. Journal of Hepatology. 2023; 78(3): 534-542.
[94] Yip TCF, Wong VWS, Chan HLY, Tse YK, Lui GCY, Wong GLH. Tenofovir is associated with lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma than entecavir in patients with chronic HBV infection in China. Gastroenterology. 2020; 158(1): 215-225.e6.
[95] Zhang Z, Zhou Y, Yang J, Hu K, Huang Y. The effectiveness of TDF versus ETV on incidence of HCC in CHB patients: A meta-analysis. BMC Cancer. 2019; 19(1): 511.
[96] Thomas DL, Kiser JJ, Baum MM. Long-acting treatments for hepatitis B. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2022; 75(Suppl 4): S517-S524.
[97] Henry SJ, Barrett SE, Forster SP, Teller RS, Yang Z, Li L, et al. Exploration of long-acting implant formulations of hepatitis B drug entecavir. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2019; 136: 104958.
[98] Ho MJ, Lee DR, Im SH, Yoon JA, Shin CY, Kim HJ, et al. Design and in vivo evaluation of entecavir-3-palmitate microcrystals for subcutaneous sustained delivery. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics. 2018; 130: 143-151.
[99] Zhang C, Wang A, Wang H, Yan M, Liang R, He X, et al. Entecavir-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres for long-term therapy of chronic hepatitis B: Preparation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2019; 560: 27-34.
[100] Jose A, Shenoy GG, Rodrigues GS, Kumar NAN, Munisamy M, Thomas L, et al. Histone demethylase KDM5B as a therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Cancers (Basel). 2020; 12(8).
[101] Lourenco T, Vale N. Entecavir: A review and considerations for its application in oncology. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023; 16(11).
[102] Sherin DR, Manojkumar TK. Exploring the selectivity of guanine scaffold in anticancer drug development by computational repurposing approach. Scientific Reports. 2021; 11(1): 16251.
[103] Chang XJ, Shi YW, Wang J, Liu HB, Chen Y, Zhu XN, et al. Influence of weight management on the prognosis of steatohepatitis in chronic hepatitis B patients during antiviral treatment. Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases International. 2021; 20(5): 416-425.
[104] Liu L, Li H, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Cao Z. Hepatitis B virus infection combined with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Interaction and prognosis. Heliyon. 2023; 9(1): e13113.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Mermutluoglu, C., Bayram, H., Simsek, T. B., Golbol, A., Kuscu, E. G., et al. (2025). Current Clinical Applications of Entecavir in Hepatitis B Viruses Infection. International Journal of Infectious Diseases and Therapy, 10(4), 68-84. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijidt.20251004.11

    Copy | Download

    ACS Style

    Mermutluoglu, C.; Bayram, H.; Simsek, T. B.; Golbol, A.; Kuscu, E. G., et al. Current Clinical Applications of Entecavir in Hepatitis B Viruses Infection. Int. J. Infect. Dis. Ther. 2025, 10(4), 68-84. doi: 10.11648/j.ijidt.20251004.11

    Copy | Download

    AMA Style

    Mermutluoglu C, Bayram H, Simsek TB, Golbol A, Kuscu EG, et al. Current Clinical Applications of Entecavir in Hepatitis B Viruses Infection. Int J Infect Dis Ther. 2025;10(4):68-84. doi: 10.11648/j.ijidt.20251004.11

    Copy | Download

  • @article{10.11648/j.ijidt.20251004.11,
      author = {Cigdem Mermutluoglu and Halim Bayram and Tugce Bozok Simsek and Abdullah Golbol and Evrim Gulderen Kuscu and Hande Berk Cam and Yusuf Arslan and Rukkiye Bulut and Hakan Celik and Mustafa Kemal Celen},
      title = {Current Clinical Applications of Entecavir in Hepatitis B Viruses Infection},
      journal = {International Journal of Infectious Diseases and Therapy},
      volume = {10},
      number = {4},
      pages = {68-84},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ijidt.20251004.11},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijidt.20251004.11},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijidt.20251004.11},
      abstract = {Entecavir (ETV) is a guanosine nucleoside analogue widely used in the management of chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection. It demonstrates consistent antiviral activity, favourable tolerability, and a high genetic barrier to resistance, making it a reliable option across diverse clinical settings. Evidence from clinical trials and real-world studies confirms that ETV achieves sustained viral suppression, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization, and histological improvement, contributing to reduced long-term risks of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Its pharmacokinetic properties and antiviral effectiveness have been established in both treatment-naïve and lamivudine-resistant patients. ETV maintains clinical utility in various special populations, including individuals with decompensated cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, post-transplant status, and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy. In these groups, ETV retains efficacy with limited drug-drug interactions and a generally mild adverse-event profile. Optimal adherence to therapy remains essential to ensure sustained viral suppression and minimize the risk of treatment failure. In addition to established clinical roles, emerging research has explored new formulations and potential therapeutic applications of ETV, including long-acting delivery strategies and its possible relevance in oncologic contexts. These developments highlight continued interest in optimizing the use of ETV in HBV management. Overall, ETV remains a well-supported antiviral agent that combines durable efficacy, safety, and broad applicability in the treatment of chronic HBV infection.},
     year = {2025}
    }
    

    Copy | Download

  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Current Clinical Applications of Entecavir in Hepatitis B Viruses Infection
    AU  - Cigdem Mermutluoglu
    AU  - Halim Bayram
    AU  - Tugce Bozok Simsek
    AU  - Abdullah Golbol
    AU  - Evrim Gulderen Kuscu
    AU  - Hande Berk Cam
    AU  - Yusuf Arslan
    AU  - Rukkiye Bulut
    AU  - Hakan Celik
    AU  - Mustafa Kemal Celen
    Y1  - 2025/12/17
    PY  - 2025
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijidt.20251004.11
    DO  - 10.11648/j.ijidt.20251004.11
    T2  - International Journal of Infectious Diseases and Therapy
    JF  - International Journal of Infectious Diseases and Therapy
    JO  - International Journal of Infectious Diseases and Therapy
    SP  - 68
    EP  - 84
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2578-966X
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijidt.20251004.11
    AB  - Entecavir (ETV) is a guanosine nucleoside analogue widely used in the management of chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection. It demonstrates consistent antiviral activity, favourable tolerability, and a high genetic barrier to resistance, making it a reliable option across diverse clinical settings. Evidence from clinical trials and real-world studies confirms that ETV achieves sustained viral suppression, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization, and histological improvement, contributing to reduced long-term risks of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Its pharmacokinetic properties and antiviral effectiveness have been established in both treatment-naïve and lamivudine-resistant patients. ETV maintains clinical utility in various special populations, including individuals with decompensated cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, post-transplant status, and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy. In these groups, ETV retains efficacy with limited drug-drug interactions and a generally mild adverse-event profile. Optimal adherence to therapy remains essential to ensure sustained viral suppression and minimize the risk of treatment failure. In addition to established clinical roles, emerging research has explored new formulations and potential therapeutic applications of ETV, including long-acting delivery strategies and its possible relevance in oncologic contexts. These developments highlight continued interest in optimizing the use of ETV in HBV management. Overall, ETV remains a well-supported antiviral agent that combines durable efficacy, safety, and broad applicability in the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
    VL  - 10
    IS  - 4
    ER  - 

    Copy | Download

Author Information
  • Sections