Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Drug profile · INN

emtricitabine

emtricitabine (DESCOVY) is a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Associated with Amneal Pharma Europe Ltd. Route of administration: oral. Current US regulatory status: approved.

FDA: approved EMA: approved Antiinfectives for systemic use (J05) J05AR19
US status approved
Patents linked 0
Pipeline programs 14
News articles 2
Drug details — emtricitabine

Quick answer

emtricitabine (DESCOVY) is a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Associated with Amneal Pharma Europe Ltd. Route of administration: oral. Current US regulatory status: approved.

Key facts

INN emtricitabine
Brand DESCOVY
Mechanism Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Target Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase
Therapeutic class Antiinfectives for systemic use (J05)
Route ORAL
Formulation CAPSULE
ATC code J05AR19

Mechanism of action

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor

Primary target: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase

Approval history

Authority Status Date
FDA approved
EMA approved

Recent coverage

Pipeline programs

  1. CRT with triple site ventricular stimulation Phase 3 · Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Netherlands · Heart Failure
  2. D3 (Penta 21) Phase 3 · Telethon Foundation · HIV-infected
  3. Descovy or Truvada Phase 3 · BRIGHT MINDS BIOSCIENCES · HIV Infections
  4. GS-US-528-6727 Phase 3 · Gilead Sciences · Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection
  5. GS-US-563-5926 Phase 3 · Gilead Sciences · HIV-1 Infection
  6. MK-8527-011 Phase 3 · MSD Merck Sharp · HIV-1 prevention
  7. MK-8591A-053 Phase 3 · MSD Merck Sharp · HIV-1 Infection
  8. MK-8591B-062 Phase 3 · MSD Merck Sharp · HIV

Related & competitor drugs

  1. abacavir sulfate Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor
  2. atazanavir sulfate Antiinfectives for systemic use (J05)
  3. colistimethate sodium Antiinfectives for systemic use (J01)
  4. covid-19 mrna vaccine Antiinfectives for systemic use (J07)
  5. daptomycin Antiinfectives for systemic use (J01)
  6. darunavir Antiinfectives for systemic use (J05)

Frequently asked questions

What is emtricitabine?

emtricitabine (DESCOVY) is a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Associated with Amneal Pharma Europe Ltd. Route of administration: oral. Current US regulatory status: approved.

What is the brand name for emtricitabine?

DESCOVY is a marketed brand name for emtricitabine. Check FDA Drugs@FDA for the current US label holder and prescribing information.

What is the US approval status of emtricitabine?

emtricitabine has approved status in the United States according to our Drugs@FDA-derived records. Verify on the official FDA label before clinical or commercial decisions.