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Letermovir for secondary prophylaxis
Letermovir inhibits the cytomegalovirus (CMV) terminase complex, preventing viral DNA packaging and replication.
Letermovir inhibits the cytomegalovirus (CMV) terminase complex, preventing viral DNA packaging and replication. Used for Secondary prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in CMV-seropositive recipients of hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant.
At a glance
| Generic name | Letermovir for secondary prophylaxis |
|---|---|
| Also known as | secondary prophylaxis of CMV reactivation |
| Sponsor | Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, China |
| Drug class | CMV terminase inhibitor |
| Target | CMV terminase (UL56 protein complex) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Virology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Letermovir is a non-nucleoside inhibitor that targets the CMV terminase enzyme, which is essential for packaging newly synthesized viral DNA into virions. By blocking this step, the drug prevents the formation of infectious CMV particles without requiring viral DNA polymerase inhibition, offering a distinct mechanism from traditional antivirals. This makes it particularly useful for prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients at high risk of CMV disease.
Approved indications
- Secondary prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in CMV-seropositive recipients of hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Hypertension
- Elevated creatinine
Key clinical trials
- Letermovir (Prevymis) for CMV in Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Recipients (PHASE3)
- Letermovir for Secondary Prophylaxis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients (PHASE4)
- Secondary Prophylaxis of CMV Infection Using Letermovir After HID-HSCT (PHASE4)
- Letermovir Treatment for Refractory or Resistant Cytomegalovirus Infection (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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