Kleiboeker HL, Descourouez JL, Schulz LT, Mandelbrot DA, Odorico JS, Rice JP, Saddler CM, Smith JA, Jorgenson MR. Maribavir for the Management of Cytomegalovirus in Adult Transplant Recipients: A Review of the Literature and Practical Considerations.
Ann Pharmacother 2022;
57:597-608. [PMID:
36003036 DOI:
10.1177/10600280221118959]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To review the efficacy and safety of maribavir for management of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in solid organ transplant recipients.
DATA SOURCES
A literature search of PubMed and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (1960 to early July 2022) was performed using the following search terms: maribavir, 1263W94, and cytomegalovirus.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION
All relevant English-language studies were reviewed and considered, with a focus on phase 3 trials.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Maribavir, an orally available benzimidazole riboside with minimal adverse effects, was originally studied for universal prophylaxis in phase 3 trials but failed to demonstrate noninferiority over placebo and oral ganciclovir. It was effective for preemptive treatment in a dose-finding Phase 2 study. Maribavir is FDA approved for treatment of refractory/resistant CMV infection based on improved response rate at 8 weeks compared with investigator-assigned therapy (IAT) when initiated at median viral loads less than approximately 10 000 IU/mL (55.7% vs 23.9%, P < 0.001). Recurrence after 8-week treatment for refractory/resistant CMV was high (maribavir 50% vs IAT 39%). Significant drug interactions exist and must be managed by a pharmacotherapy expert to prevent harm.
RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
The addition of maribavir to the antiviral armamentarium should improve the management of refractory/resistant CMV, allowing early transition from toxic, high-cost, intravenous agents such as foscarnet and outpatient management. Optimal timing of initiation, duration, and potential alternative uses are unclear.
CONCLUSION
Future studies are needed to fully elucidate the role of maribavir in the management of CMV after transplant.
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