Maribavir: First Approval

Drugs. 2022 Feb;82(3):335-340. doi: 10.1007/s40265-022-01677-4.

Abstract

Maribavir (LIVTENCITYTM), a cytomegalovirus (CMV) enzyme pUL97 kinase inhibitor, is being developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of CMV infections. Maribavir was recently approved in the USA for the treatment of post-transplant CMV infection/disease that is refractory to treatment (with or without genotypic resistance) with ganciclovir, valganciclovir, cidofovir or foscarnet in adults and paediatric (≥ 12 years of age and weighing ≥ 35 kg) patients. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of maribavir leading to this first approval for CMV infections.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacology
  • Benzimidazoles / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / drug therapy
  • Drug Resistance, Viral
  • Humans
  • Ribonucleosides* / pharmacology
  • Ribonucleosides* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Ribonucleosides
  • maribavir