Letermovir: Antiviral Drug for Prophylaxis of Cytomegalovirus Disease in Patients Receiving an Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant

Authors

  • Wantaporn Phadungphuak Pharmacy Department, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Keywords:

cytomegalovirus, cytomegalovirus disease, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant, letermovir

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a serious complication for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) recipients, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Antiviral drugs currently used to treat CMV infection are DNA polymerase inhibitors; however, these drugs can cause neutropenia or nephrotoxicity. Therefore, they are typically used only for treating active CMV infections, not for prevention. The toxicity of DNA polymerase inhibitors has led to the development of a new, effective, and safer drug, letermovir. This drug has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the prophylaxis of CMV infection in adult CMV-seropositive allo-HCT recipients. Letermovir works by inhibiting the viral terminase complex at the end of viral replication, making it useful for patients who are resistant to DNA polymerase inhibitors. In phase II and phase III studies, letermovir has been shown to be effective in preventing CMV infection and reducing mortality associated with CMV infection. Additionally, the safety profile of letermovir is comparable to that of a placebo.

Author Biography

Wantaporn Phadungphuak, Pharmacy Department, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

B.Pharm.

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Published

2024-08-31

How to Cite

1.
Phadungphuak W. Letermovir: Antiviral Drug for Prophylaxis of Cytomegalovirus Disease in Patients Receiving an Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant. Thai J Hosp Pharm [internet]. 2024 Aug. 31 [cited 2025 Dec. 10];34(2):185-200. available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/TJHP/article/view/264924

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Section

Drug Monograph