Maribavir and human cytomegalovirus-what happened in the clinical trials and why might the drug have failed?

Curr Opin Virol. 2011 Dec;1(6):555-62. doi: 10.1016/j.coviro.2011.10.011. Epub 2011 Nov 4.

Abstract

We summarize the history of the clinical drug development of maribavir for its use as prophylaxis in stem-cell transplant recipients. We highlight key aspects in the design and interpretation of the results of the dose escalation phase II maribavir study that may have contributed to the negative findings on the phase III trials. We discuss key aspects of study design that should be considered in the study of new interventions needed to advance the prevention and treatment of CMV in transplant recipients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / methods*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / standards
  • Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic / methods
  • Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic / standards
  • Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic / methods
  • Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic / standards
  • Cytomegalovirus / isolation & purification*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / etiology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / methods
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / standards
  • Ribonucleosides / pharmacology*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Ribonucleosides
  • maribavir