Investigational drugs with dual activity against HBV and HIV (Review)

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are global public health problems that pose a significant health burden. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection is common, as these viruses have similar transmission routes, such as blood transmission, sexual transmission and mother-to-child transmission. Coinfection frequently leads to accelerated disease progression. For individuals coinfected with HIV/HBV, combination antiretroviral therapy containing dual anti-HBV drugs is recommended. Certain studies have also indicated the benefits of antiretroviral drugs with anti-HBV activity in patients with coinfection. A total of four Food and Drug Administration-approved HIV drugs also have anti-HBV activity; namely, emtricitabine, lamivudine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and tenofovir alafenamide, which are all nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. However, various issues, including drug resistance and side effects, limit their application. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more drugs with dual activity against HBV and HIV. The present review outlines the mechanisms, safety and efficacy of certain drugs that have been investigated for this purpose.