Drug updated on 12/11/2024
Dosage Form | Tablet (oral; 240 mg, 480 mg), Injection (intravenous; 240 mg/12 mL, 480 mg/24 mL) |
Drug Class | CMV DNA terminase complex inhibitors |
Ongoing and Completed Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov |
Indication
- Indicated for prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease in adult CMV-seropositive recipients [R+] of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)
- Indicated for prophylaxis of CMV disease in adult kidney transplant recipients at high risk (Donor CMV seropositive/Recipient CMV seronegative [D+/R-]).
Latest News
Summary
- This summary is based on the review of two systematic review(s)/meta-analysis(es). [1-2]
- Letermovir has shown effectiveness in preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, while Maribavir is effective in treating refractory or resistant CMV infections, particularly in adolescent transplant recipients. Other molecules like brincidofovir, cyclopropavir, and immunomodulating molecules (e.g., leflunomide, everolimus) demonstrate potential against HCMV, though with varying levels of clinical support.
- Anti-CMV immunoglobulins have been highlighted as effective in managing congenital CMV infections and as part of combination therapies in heart transplant patients to combat CMV.
- The safety profile of current antiviral therapies, including letermovir and maribavir, is complicated by issues of toxicity and resistance; however, both letermovir and maribavir target different mechanisms, potentially mitigating toxicity concerns.
- Natural molecules and immunomodulating therapies, while generally indicating a potentially favorable safety profile, lack extensive clinical studies to firmly establish their safety, and no specific safety concerns were identified for these newer antiviral agents.
Product Monograph / Prescribing Information
Document Title | Year | Source |
---|---|---|
Prevymis (letermovir) Prescribing Information. | 2023 | Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ |
Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses
Document Title | Year | Source |
---|---|---|
Antiviral Agents for Preventing Cytomegalovirus Disease in Recipients of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation | 2024 | Viruses |
Anti-CMV therapy, what next? A systematic review | 2023 | Frontiers in Microbiology |