Hepenofovir

Hepenofovir is a novel, liver-targeted small molecule prodrug of tenofovir, a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), developed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). It is designed to be rapidly absorbed and specifically metabolized within the liver to release tenofovir, which is then phosphorylated to its active form, tenofovir diphosphate. This active metabolite inhibits the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA polymerase/reverse transcriptase, effectively blocking viral replication. By targeting the liver, Hepenofovir aims to achieve high intrahepatic concentrations of the active drug while maintaining low systemic levels of tenofovir, thereby potentially reducing the risk of systemic toxicities such as renal impairment and bone mineral density loss. It is currently being evaluated in Phase II/III clinical trials as a potential alternative to existing tenofovir formulations like tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).

Other names

Hepenofovir fumarateHepenofovir Fumarate Tablets