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Suetsugu K, Shigematsu T, Nakamura T, Hirota T, Ieiri I. Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Letermovir in Allogenic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Clin Pharmacokinet 2024; 63:945-964. [PMID: 39012618 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-024-01392-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Letermovir is a newly developed antiviral agent used for the prophylaxis of human cytomegalovirus infections in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. This novel anti-cytomegalovirus drug, used for the prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus reactivation until approximately 200 days after transplantation, effectively reduces the risk of clinically significant cytomegalovirus infection. No human counterpart exists for the terminase complex; letermovir is virus specific and lacks some toxicities previously observed with other anti-cytomegalovirus drugs, such as cytopenia and nephrotoxicity. The absolute bioavailability of letermovir in healthy individuals is estimated to be 94% based on a population-pharmacokinetic analysis. In contrast, oral administration of letermovir to patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation results in lower exposure than that in healthy individuals. Renal or hepatic impairment does not influence the intrinsic clearance of letermovir. Co-administration of letermovir may alter the plasma concentrations of other drugs, including itself, as it acts as a substrate and inhibitor/inducer of several drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. In particular, attention should be paid to the drug-drug interactions between letermovir and calcineurin inhibitors or azole antifungal agents, which are commonly used in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. This article reviews and summarizes the clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of letermovir, focusing on patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation, healthy individuals, and specific patient subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimitaka Suetsugu
- Department of Pharmacy, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Shigematsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakamura
- Department of Pharmacy, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hirota
- Department of Pharmacy, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ichiro Ieiri
- Department of Pharmacy, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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Hirama T, Shundo Y, Watanabe T, Ohsumi A, Watanabe T, Okada Y. Letermovir prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus in lung-transplant recipients: a comprehensive study with literature review of off-label use and real-world experiences. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:68. [PMID: 38578337 PMCID: PMC10997533 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Letermovir, initially approved for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, has gained attention for off-label use in lung-transplant (LTx) recipients. Given the high susceptibility of LTx recipients to CMV infection, this study explores the effectiveness and safety of letermovir prophylaxis. A retrospective analysis of using letermovir for LTx recipients at Tohoku University Hospital (January 2000 to November 2023) was conducted. Case summaries from other Japanese transplant centers and a literature review were included. Six cases at Tohoku University Hospital and one at Kyoto University Hospital were identified. Prophylactic letermovir use showed positive outcomes in managing myelosuppression and preventing CMV replication. The literature review supported the safety of letermovir in high-risk LTx recipients. Despite limited reports, our findings suggest letermovir's potential as prophylaxis for LTx recipients intolerant to valganciclovir. Safety, especially in managing myelosuppression, positions letermovir as a promising option. However, careful consideration is important in judiciously integrating letermovir into the treatment protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Hirama
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
- Division of Organ Transplantation, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
| | - Yuki Shundo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Watanabe
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ohsumi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuaki Watanabe
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Okada
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Division of Organ Transplantation, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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Goodlet KJ, Garcia R. Effect of letermovir initiation on tacrolimus concentrations among lung transplant recipients receiving concomitant azole antifungal prophylaxis. Transpl Infect Dis 2024; 26:e14267. [PMID: 38488776 DOI: 10.1111/tid.14267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The antiviral letermovir has been increasingly used as off-label cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in solid organ transplant recipients. Observational studies have reported notable increases in tacrolimus (FK) exposure following letermovir; however, whether a significant interaction occurs in the setting of existing moderate-to-strong CYP3A4 inhibition is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate FK trough changes before and after letermovir among lung transplant recipients receiving azole antifungal prophylaxis. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included lung transplant recipients newly initiated on letermovir between 2019-2022 following valganciclovir intolerance. Tacrolimus doses and concentrations were collected up to 30 days before and after the letermovir start date. No pre-emptive FK dose adjustments occurred prior to letermovir initiation. Patients admitted to the hospital or lacking an appropriately timed trough in the pre- or post-period were excluded. RESULTS A total of 78 lung transplant recipients receiving FK (1.5 mg median total daily dose) and itraconazole (56.4%), isavuconazole (25.6%) or posaconazole (17.9%) prophylaxis were included. Letermovir was started at a median of 8.4 months post-transplant. The pre-/post-letermovir median FK trough was 9.6/9.0 ng/mL (p = .151), median dose-corrected trough was 4.2/4.7 ng/mL/mg (+11.9%, p = .032), and median weight-based dose-corrected trough was 362/326 [ng/mL]/[mg/kg/day] (-9.9%, p = .036). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients within their goal trough range before and after letermovir initiation (62% vs. 72%, p = .229). CONCLUSION Empiric FK dose adjustments do not appear warranted before letermovir initiation in lung transplant recipients receiving antifungal prophylaxis with moderate-to-strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie J Goodlet
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University College of Pharmacy, Glendale, Arizona, USA
| | - Rhiannon Garcia
- Department of Pharmacy Services, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Division of Transplant Pulmonology, Norton Thoracic Institute, Dignity Health, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Malespini J, Lei M, Tavares E, Hammond SP, Chen YB, Luk SO, DeFilipp Z. Letermovir and tacrolimus interaction effects in hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients receiving moderate cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors for antifungal prophylaxis. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2023; 29:1574-1579. [PMID: 36398324 DOI: 10.1177/10781552221139772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Letermovir inhibits cytomegalovirus replication and is approved for the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in cytomegalovirus seropositive hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients. Studies have found that letermovir coadministration has minimal effect on tacrolimus levels prior to the start of voriconazole, a strong cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitor. However, data are lacking for hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients receiving letermovir and tacrolimus with moderate CYP 3A4 inhibitors as antifungal prophylaxis. METHODS In this retrospective single-center analysis, we reviewed the charts of 92 consecutive adult allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients receiving letermovir, tacrolimus, and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors for antifungal prophylaxis. RESULTS Tacrolimus concentration/dose (C/D) ratios were evaluated for the first 7 days pre-letermovir and for the first and second 7-day periods after letermovir. The tacrolimus mean C/D ratios [(ng/mL)/(mg/kg/day)] increased significantly with the addition of letermovir: 172.99 (95% confidence interval (CI): 158.2-187.78) pre-letermovir, 268.66 (95% CI: 244.34-292.98) first-week letermovir, and 312.19 (95% CI: 279.39-344.99) second-week letermovir (P < 0.001). The average dosages (mg/kg) of tacrolimus also decreased significantly across the three-time intervals (P < 0.001). Only four patients experienced clinically significant cytomegalovirus reactivation which required systemic treatment. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate a reduction in tacrolimus dosing requirements for patients receiving tacrolimus and letermovir with concomitant moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. The results of this interaction suggest that frequent monitoring of tacrolimus trough levels is warranted when starting letermovir and that empiric reduction of tacrolimus dosing upon letermovir initiation should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Malespini
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew Lei
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erica Tavares
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah P Hammond
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yi-Bin Chen
- Hematopoietic Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha O Luk
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zachariah DeFilipp
- Hematopoietic Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Evaluation of the pharmacokinetic interaction between letermovir and tacrolimus in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. Transplant Cell Ther 2022; 28:371.e1-371.e4. [PMID: 35405369 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data describing the magnitude of the pharmacokinetic interaction between letermovir and tacrolimus in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) recipients are limited, and varying outcomes have been reported. The need for empiric dose adjustment of tacrolimus upon letermovir initiation has not been established; instead, it is suggested to closely monitor tacrolimus trough concentrations and adjust doses as needed. Further understanding of this interaction is imperative to accurately manage the narrow therapeutic window of tacrolimus post-transplant. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to determine the percent change in tacrolimus concentration-to-dose ratio over the 14-day period after initiation of letermovir. Secondary objectives were to describe the frequency of tacrolimus dose adjustments after initiation of letermovir, percent change in daily tacrolimus dose over the 14-day period after initiation of letermovir, and the incidence of both sub- and supratherapeutic tacrolimus trough concentrations. STUDY DESIGN This study was a retrospective chart review that included adult allo-HCT recipients at WVU Medicine who received tacrolimus in combination with oral letermovir and had been taking tacrolimus for at least five days prior to letermovir initiation. Patients receiving strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or intravenous tacrolimus were excluded. RESULTS Thirty-five patients were included in the analysis. The median percent increase in tacrolimus concentration-to-dose ratio over the 14-day period after initiation of letermovir was 22% (days 2 to 4), 47% (days 5 to 7), 66% (days 8 to 11), and 81% (days 12 to 14). The mean frequency of tacrolimus dose adjustments was 0.66 (days 2 to 4), 0.69 (days 5 to 7), 1.06 (days 8 to 11), and 0.57 (days 12 to 14). CONCLUSION The pharmacokinetic interaction between tacrolimus and letermovir is substantial based on results from this study and continued to affect tacrolimus concentrations over the 14-day period after letermovir initiation. Close monitoring of tacrolimus trough concentration upon initiation of letermovir should be considered.
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Nakashima T, Inamoto Y, Aoki J, Ito A, Tanaka T, Kim SW, Hashimoto H, Fukuda T, Furukawa T. Differences in kinetics of tacrolimus concentration after letermovir discontinuation by type of concomitant azole antifungal. Int J Hematol 2022; 115:158-162. [PMID: 35088349 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-021-03277-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Letermovir is commonly used for CMV prophylaxis after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Pharmacokinetic studies have shown an increase in tacrolimus exposure among healthy volunteers who took letermovir. However, studies in HCT recipients are needed because these patients are typically using concomitant antifungals with different degrees of CYP3A4 inhibition that may further interact with tacrolimus pharmacokinetics. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the kinetics of tacrolimus concentration after letermovir discontinuation by type of concomitant azole antifungal in 57 HCT recipients. The median fold change in tacrolimus concentration-to-dose (C/D) ratio after discontinuing letermovir was 0.64 (range 0.43-0.99) with fluconazole and 1.10 (range 0.59-1.73) with voriconazole (p < 0.001). The tacrolimus C/D ratio decreased ≥ 30% after discontinuing letermovir (p < 0.001) in 66% of patients on fluconazole and 9% on voriconazole. Among patients whose tacrolimus C/D ratio decreased ≥ 30%, three (9%) patients in the fluconazole group and one (4%) in the voriconazole group experienced worsening of GVHD. Careful monitoring of tacrolimus concentration is important after letermovir discontinuation to avoid worsening of GVHD due to decreased tacrolimus concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshihiro Inamoto
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Jun Aoki
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Ayumu Ito
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Takashi Tanaka
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Sung-Won Kim
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | | | - Takahiro Fukuda
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Furukawa
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Nakashima T, Inamoto Y, Fukushi Y, Doke Y, Hashimoto H, Fukuda T, Yamaguchi M. Drug interaction between letermovir and voriconazole after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Int J Hematol 2021; 113:872-876. [PMID: 33677768 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-021-03105-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Letermovir has been approved for the prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Letermovir is a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 inducer. Voriconazole, which is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal agent, is mainly metabolized by CYP2C19. Thus, voriconazole trough concentration may decrease due to the drug interaction between voriconazole and letermovir. This study aimed to clarify the effects of letermovir on voriconazole trough concentration in allogeneic HCT recipients. We retrospectively examined voriconazole trough concentration in 24 allogeneic HCT recipients who had letermovir for prevention of CMV infection. The median voriconazole C/D ratios significantly decreased after starting letermovir from 0.25 L/kg to 0.11 L/kg (p < 0.01), and increased after discontinuing letermovir from 0.15 L/kg to 0.24 L/kg (p = 0.02). The median fold change of voriconazole trough concentration during letermovir administration was 0.40. Our results suggest that voriconazole trough concentration decreases when voriconazole is combined with letermovir in allogeneic HCT recipients. Therefore, close therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole trough concentration is warranted in allogeneic HCT recipients after starting or discontinuing letermovir.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshihiro Inamoto
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Yayoi Fukushi
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Doke
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Takahiro Fukuda
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
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Decrease in voriconazole concentration-to-dose ratio after letermovir initiation: a retrospective, observational study. Bone Marrow Transplant 2020; 56:949-951. [PMID: 33100323 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-020-01093-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Letermovir is used to prevent cytomegalovirus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Although this agent decreases voriconazole exposure in healthy individuals, the effect of coadministration of letermovir and voriconazole in HSCT recipients is unknown. This retrospective, observational, single-center study was conducted between January 2016 and July 2019 to examine the voriconazole concentration-to-dose ratio over three periods: (A) (days -7 to -1 [day 0: day of HCST]), (B) (days 4-10), and (C) (days 11-17). Forty-two HSCT recipients administered voriconazole were divided into the following two groups based on letermovir coadministration: letermovir (n = 15) and control (n = 27). The percent change (-33.2%, p < 0.05) in the voriconazole concentration-to-dose ratio from periods A to C in the letermovir group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Therefore, frequent therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole concentrations and subsequent dose adjustments should be performed regularly in HSCT recipients.
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Shigle TL, Handy VW, Chemaly RF. Letermovir and its role in the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in seropositive patients receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. Ther Adv Hematol 2020; 11:2040620720937150. [PMID: 32637057 PMCID: PMC7318821 DOI: 10.1177/2040620720937150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is one of the most common infections affecting allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. Although available anti-CMV therapies have been evaluated for the prevention of CMV reactivation, their toxicity profile makes them unfavorable for use as primary prophylaxis; thus, they are routinely reserved for the treatment of CMV viremia or CMV end-organ disease. Pre-emptive CMV monitoring strategies have been widely accepted, and although they have been helpful in early detection, they have not affected the overall morbidity and mortality associated with CMV. Letermovir is a novel agent that was approved for primary prophylaxis in CMV-seropositive adult allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. This review focuses on letermovir's novel mechanism; clinical trials supporting its United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and subsequent follow-up analyses; clinical considerations, with an emphasis on pharmacology; and lessons learned from solid organ transplant recipients, as well as potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri Lynn Shigle
- Division of Pharmacy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Victoria Wehr Handy
- Division of Pharmacy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roy F. Chemaly
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030-4000, USA
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