Is tenofovir alafenamide fumarate tablets (Vemlidy) a second-generation antiviral drug?

Tenofovir alafenamide tablets (Vemlidy/Vemlidy) is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is used to treat adults and children aged 12 years and above infected with hepatitis B virus. It is often classified as a "second-generation antiviral drug," although there are no strict uniform criteria for this classification. In the field of anti-hepatitis B virus drug treatment, first-generation drugs usually refer to drugs developed earlier, and they may have some side effects and drug resistance issues. Second-generation drugs are products that have been improved and optimized on the basis of stronger efficacy, lower drug resistance, and fewer side effects.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Vemlidy) has significant advantages over its earlier counterparts, such as tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread). The improved version of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate is called a second-generation drug, mainly because of its low dose and fewer side effects, especially on the kidneys. Its molecular structure has been optimized to achieve a more effective concentration in the body while reducing drug accumulation in the kidneys, thereby alleviating nephrotoxicity. In addition, other advantages of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate include better bioavailability and a more convenient oral dosage form. With these improvements, it becomes a more ideal option for hepatitis B treatment.

Compared with first-generation drugs, the research and development of second-generation drugs not only focuses on enhancing efficacy, but also pays special attention to the safety of the drugs. This is one of the reasons why tenofovir alafenamide fumarate is widely used in the market. Despite its advantages in efficacy and safety, the need for individualized treatment is still an important consideration for doctors when using this drug.

Reference materials:https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/vemlidy-epar-product-information_en.pdf