1
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Leong E, Cifuentes-González C, Hu Y W J, Perumal Samy R, Khairallah M, Rojas-Carabali W, Putera I, de-la-Torre A, Agrawal R. Clinical Insights: Antimicrobial Therapy for Infectious Uveitis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2024:1-21. [PMID: 38759216 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2024.2345848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Infectious uveitis is a major global cause of vision impairment. Despite the eye's immune privilege, afforded by the blood-ocular barrier that restricts microbial entry, several pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can still infiltrate and cause ocular infections and complications. Clinicians often encounter significant challenges in treating infectious uveitis due to limited or ineffective treatment options. Modern molecular techniques and imaging can aid in diagnosing and assessing intraocular infections. Various antimicrobial therapies exist, spanning topical and systemic treatments, but these are constrained by issues like drug concentration, penetration, effective duration, toxicity, and side effects. Treatment approaches also differ based on the infection's etiology. This review provides recent updates on antimicrobial therapies from a clinical perspective, covering topical, systemic, and regional treatments for infectious uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangeline Leong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carlos Cifuentes-González
- Neuroscience Research Group (NEUROS), Neurovitae Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Translational Medicine (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeremy Hu Y W
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ramar Perumal Samy
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Ocular Infections and Antimicrobial Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Moncef Khairallah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - William Rojas-Carabali
- Neuroscience Research Group (NEUROS), Neurovitae Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Translational Medicine (IMT), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ikhwanuliman Putera
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia - Cipto Mangunkusumo Kirana Eye Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandra de-la-Torre
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rupesh Agrawal
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Ocular Infections and Antimicrobial Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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2
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Manczak B, Verdier MC, Dewulf JP, Lemaitre F, Haufroid V, Hantson P. Lactic acidosis after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation potentially related to letermovir. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:1686-1689. [PMID: 36748282 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A 53-year-old woman with a history of acute myeloid leukaemia received a second allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant and was prescribed, among other medications, acyclovir and letermovir (480-mg daily oral dose) for prophylaxis of, respectively, herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus infection. The patient was admitted in the intensive care unit for dyspnoea and oliguria. Laboratory investigations revealed acute kidney injury but also a severe and progressive lactic acidosis. Liver function tests were within normal range. The combination of lactic acidosis, hypoglycaemia and acylcarnitine profile in plasma raised the suspicion of mitochondrial toxicity. Letermovir therapy was interrupted, and determination of plasma letermovir pharmacokinetics revealed a prolonged terminal half-life (38.7 h) that was not significantly influenced by continuous venovenous haemofiltration. Exploration for genetic polymorphisms revealed that the patient was SLCO1B1*5/*15 (c.521T>C homozygous carrier and c.388A>G heterozygous carrier) with a predicted nonfunctional organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 protein. The relationship between letermovir accumulation and development of lactic acidosis requires further observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bérénice Manczak
- Department of Intensive Care, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Clémence Verdier
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France.,FHU SUPORT, Rennes, France
| | - Joseph P Dewulf
- Clinical Chemistry Department, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Florian Lemaitre
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France.,FHU SUPORT, Rennes, France
| | - Vincent Haufroid
- Clinical Chemistry Department, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Hantson
- Department of Intensive Care, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
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3
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Saullo JL, Miller RA. Cytomegalovirus Therapy: Role of Letermovir in Prophylaxis and Treatment in Transplant Recipients. Annu Rev Med 2023; 74:89-105. [PMID: 36332639 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-042921-124739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common viral pathogen in the transplant population and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. CMV prevention is paramount; however, selecting the best preventive strategy depends on many factors including donor-recipient CMV serostatus, transplant-specific risks, antiviral toxicities and cost. Novel CMV therapeutics such as letermovir (LTV) are desperately needed to optimize CMV management. Uniquely among CMV antiviral therapies, LTV inhibits the viral terminase complex in the CMV DNA synthesis pathway and disrupts viral genome packaging. Further, it lacks side effects frequently associated with other CMV antiviral therapies and evades common mechanisms of resistance. LTV is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for CMV prevention in adult CMV-seropositive hematopoietic cell transplant recipients but is increasingly applied off-label for prophylaxis and treatment. This review summarizes important concepts of CMV management in transplantation, with a specific focus on LTV pharmacology and clinical experience to date alongside future prospects for its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Saullo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA; ,
| | - Rachel A Miller
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA; ,
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4
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Asari K, Ishii M, Yoshitsugu H, Wakana A, Fancourt C, Yoon E, Furihata K, McCrea JB, Stoch SA, Iwamoto M. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Letermovir Following Single- and Multiple-Dose Administration in Healthy Japanese Subjects. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2022; 11:938-948. [PMID: 35238179 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.1081] [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: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Letermovir is a human cytomegalovirus terminase inhibitor for the prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. The pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of letermovir were assessed in healthy Japanese subjects in 2 phase 1 trials: trial 1-single ascending oral doses (240, 480, and 720 mg) and intravenous (IV) doses (240, 480, and 960 mg), and trial 2-multiple oral doses (240 and 480 mg once daily for 7 days). Following administration of oral single and multiple doses, letermovir was absorbed with a median time to maximum plasma concentration of 2 to 4 hours, and concentrations declined in a biphasic manner with a terminal half-life of ≈10 to 13 hours. The post absorption plasma concentration-time profile of letermovir following oral administration was similar to the profile observed with IV dosing. There was minimal accumulation with multiple-dose administration. Letermovir exposure in healthy Japanese subjects was ≈1.5- to 2.5-fold higher than that observed in non-Japanese subjects. Based on the population pharmacokinetic analysis, weight differences primarily accounted for the higher exposures observed in Asians. Letermovir was generally well tolerated following oral and IV administration to healthy Japanese subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Esther Yoon
- PAREXEL International Early Phase Research Physicians, Glendale, California, USA
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5
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Saullo JL, Baker AW, Snyder LD, Reynolds JM, Zaffiri L, Eichenberger EM, Ferrari A, Steinbrink JM, Maziarz EK, Bacchus M, Berry H, Kakoullis SA, Wolfe CR. Cytomegalovirus prevention in thoracic organ transplantation: A single-center evaluation of letermovir prophylaxis. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021; 41:508-515. [PMID: 35031206 PMCID: PMC9121640 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common following thoracic organ transplantation and causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Letermovir is a novel antiviral agent used off-label in this population for CMV prevention. Our goal was to understand patterns of letermovir use and effectiveness when applied for CMV prophylaxis after thoracic transplantation. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated letermovir use among thoracic transplant recipients at an academic transplant center who initiated letermovir from January 2018 to October2019 for CMV prophylaxis. We analyzed indication, timing, and duration of prophylaxis; tolerability; and occurrence of breakthrough CMV DNAemia and disease. RESULTS Forty-two episodes of letermovir prophylaxis occurred in 41 patients, including 37 lung and 4 heart transplant recipients. Primary prophylaxis (26/42, 61.9%) was utilized mainly due to myelosuppression (25/26, 96.2%) and was initiated a median of 315 days post-transplant (interquartile range [IQR] 125-1139 days). Sixteen episodes of secondary prophylaxis (16/42, 38.1%) were initiated a median of 695 days post-transplant (IQR 537-1156 days) due to myelosuppression (10/16, 62.5%) or prior CMV resistance (6/16, 37.5%). Median duration of letermovir prophylaxis was 282 days (IQR 131-433 days). Adverse effects required letermovir cessation in 5/42 (11.9%) episodes. Only one episode (2.4%) was complicated by clinically significant breakthrough CMV infection. Transient low-level CMV DNAemia (<450 IU/ml) occurred in 15 episodes (35.7%) but did not require letermovir cessation. CONCLUSIONS Letermovir was well tolerated and effective during extended prophylactic courses with only one case of breakthrough CMV infection in this cohort of thoracic transplant recipients. Further prospective trials of letermovir prophylaxis in this population are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Saullo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.
| | - Arthur W Baker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Laurie D Snyder
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - John M Reynolds
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Lorenzo Zaffiri
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Emily M Eichenberger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Alana Ferrari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Julie M Steinbrink
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Eileen K Maziarz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Melissa Bacchus
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Holly Berry
- Department of Pharmacy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Stylianos A Kakoullis
- Division of Pulmonary and Intensive Care Medicine, European University of Cyprus School of Medicine, Engomi, Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Cameron R Wolfe
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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6
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Isberner N, Van Daele R, Klinker H, Kraus S, Aghai F, De Vlieger G, Kuypers D, Debaveye Y, Spriet I. Letermovir exposure in transplant patients with end-stage renal disease on renal replacement therapy. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 76:3322-3325. [PMID: 34473284 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nora Isberner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ruth Van Daele
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hartwig Klinker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Kraus
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Aghai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Greet De Vlieger
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Kuypers
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yves Debaveye
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Prohn M, Cho CR, Viberg A, Dykstra K, Davis C, Sabato P, Stone J, Badshah C, Murata Y, Leavitt R, Fancourt C, Macha S. Exposure-Response Analyses of Letermovir Following Oral and Intravenous Administration in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Recipients. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2021; 111:485-495. [PMID: 34674258 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral terminase inhibitor letermovir is approved for prophylaxis of CMV infection and disease in adult CMV-seropositive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. In a phase III trial (NCT02137772), letermovir significantly reduced clinically significant CMV infection (CS-CMVi) rate vs. placebo through Week 24 (primary end point) and Week 14 (secondary end point) post transplantation. Here, exposure-response relationships were investigated using efficacy and selected safety end points from the phase III trial to inform the proposed clinical dose. Post hoc exposure estimates were derived from a population pharmacokinetic model. No significant exposure dependencies were found for CS-CMVi through Week 24 or Week 14 among letermovir-treated participants. Evaluated covariates had no impact on exposure-efficacy relationships and letermovir plasma exposure did not affect time of CS-CMVi onset. There was no dependence between adverse event incidence and letermovir exposure. These results support current dosing recommendations in several countries and regions, including the United States and European Union.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Casey Davis
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Julie Stone
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
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8
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Hakki M, Aitken SL, Danziger-Isakov L, Michaels MG, Carpenter PA, Chemaly RF, Papanicolaou GA, Boeckh M, Marty FM. American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Series: #3-Prevention of Cytomegalovirus Infection and Disease After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Transplant Cell Ther 2021; 27:707-719. [PMID: 34452721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Practice Guidelines Committee of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy partnered with its Transplant Infectious Disease Special Interest Group to update its 2009 compendium-style infectious diseases guidelines for the care of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. A new approach was taken with the goal of better serving clinical providers by publishing each standalone topic in the infectious disease series as a concise format of frequently asked questions (FAQ), tables, and figures. Adult and pediatric infectious disease and HCT content experts developed and answered FAQs. Topics were finalized with harmonized recommendations that were made by assigning an A through E strength of recommendation paired with a level of supporting evidence graded I through III. The third topic in the series focuses on the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in HCT recipients by reviewing prophylaxis and preemptive therapy approaches; key definitions, relevant risk factors, and diagnostic monitoring considerations are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Hakki
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
| | - Samuel L Aitken
- Division of Pharmacy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lara Danziger-Isakov
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Marian G Michaels
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Paul A Carpenter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Roy F Chemaly
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, & Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Michael Boeckh
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Francisco M Marty
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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9
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Belabbas T, Yamada T, Tsuchiya Y, Suetsugu K, Egashira N, Ieiri I. Development and Full Validation of a Bioanalytical Method for Quantifying Letermovir in Human Plasma Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2021; 69:646-651. [PMID: 34193713 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c21-00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
With the aim of studying the pharmacokinetics of letermovir, which is a newly developed antiviral agent for human cytomegalovirus, a rapid and simple ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of letermovir in human plasma. Separation was performed in reverse phase mode using an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (130 Å, 1.7 µm, 2.1 × 50 mm) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min, 10 mM ammonium acetate-0.1% formic acid solution as mobile phase A, and acetonitrile as mobile phase B with a gradient elution. The method was validated over a linear range of 10-1000 ng/mL with a coefficient of determination (R2) >0.99 using weighted linear regression analysis. The intra- and inter-assay accuracy (nominal%) and precision (relative standard deviation%) were within ±15 and ≤15%, respectively. The specificity, recovery, matrix effect, stability, and dilution integrity of this method were also within acceptable limits. This method could be useful in studying the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as performing the therapeutic drug monitoring of letermovir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tassadit Belabbas
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University
| | | | | | | | - Nobuaki Egashira
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University.,Department of Pharmacy, Kyushu University Hospital
| | - Ichiro Ieiri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University.,Department of Pharmacy, Kyushu University Hospital
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10
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Chen R, Wang T, Song J, Pu D, He D, Li J, Yang J, Li K, Zhong C, Zhang J. Antiviral Drug Delivery System for Enhanced Bioactivity, Better Metabolism and Pharmacokinetic Characteristics. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:4959-4984. [PMID: 34326637 PMCID: PMC8315226 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s315705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiviral drugs (AvDs) are the primary resource in the global battle against viruses, including the recent fight against corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Most AvDs require multiple medications, and their use frequently leads to drug resistance, since they have poor oral bioavailability and low efficacy due to their low solubility/low permeability. Characterizing the in vivo metabolism and pharmacokinetic characteristics of AvDs may help to solve the problems associated with AvDs and enhance their efficacy. In this review of AvDs, we systematically investigated their structure-based metabolic reactions and related enzymes, their cellular pharmacology, and the effects of metabolism on AvD pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. We further assessed how delivery systems achieve better metabolism and pharmacology of AvDs. This review suggests that suitable nanosystems may help to achieve better pharmacological activity and pharmacokinetic behavior of AvDs by altering drug metabolism through the utilization of advanced nanotechnology and appropriate administration routes. Notably, such AvDs as ribavirin, remdesivir, favipiravir, chloroquine, lopinavir and ritonavir have been confirmed to bind to the severe acute respiratory syndrome-like coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) receptor and thus may represent anti-COVID-19 treatments. Elucidating the metabolic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of AvDs may help pharmacologists to identify new formulations with high bioavailability and efficacy and help physicians to better treat virus-related diseases, including COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Chen
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Experimental Teaching and Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Song
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Daojun Pu
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Southwest Pharmaceutical Limited Company, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan He
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Li
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Yang
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Kailing Li
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Cailing Zhong
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingqing Zhang
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
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11
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Prohn M, Viberg A, Zhang D, Dykstra K, Davis C, Macha S, Sabato P, de Alwis D, Iwamoto M, Fancourt C, Cho CR. Population pharmacokinetics of letermovir following oral and intravenous administration in healthy participants and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients. CPT-PHARMACOMETRICS & SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 10:255-267. [PMID: 33440077 PMCID: PMC7965833 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Letermovir is indicated for prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Two‐stage population pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling of letermovir was conducted to support dose rationale and evaluate the impact of intrinsic/extrinsic factors. Data from healthy phase I study participants over a wide dose range were modeled to evaluate the effects of selected intrinsic factors, including pharmacogenomics; next, phase III HSCT‐recipient data at steady‐state following clinical doses were modeled. The model in HSCT recipients adequately described letermovir PK following both oral or i.v. administration, and was consistent with the healthy participant model at steady‐state clinical doses. Intrinsic factor effects were not clinically meaningful. These staged analyses indicate that letermovir PK in HSCT recipients and healthy participants differ only with respect to bioavailability and absorption rate. The HSCT recipient model was suitable for predicting exposure for exposure–response analysis supporting final dose selection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Da Zhang
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Casey Davis
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
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12
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Abstract
Purpose of Review CMV DNA polymerase inhibitors such as ganciclovir and foscarnet have dramatically reduced the burden of CMV infection in the HCT recipient. However, their use is often limited by toxicities and resistance. Agents with novel mechanisms and favorable toxicity profiles are critically needed. We review recent developments in CMV antivirals and immune-based approaches to mitigating CMV infection. Recent Findings Letermovir, an inhibitor of the CMV terminase complex, was approved in 2017 for primary CMV prophylaxis in adult seropositive allogeneic HCT recipients. Maribavir, an inhibitor of the CMV UL97 kinase, is currently in two phase 3 treatment studies. Adoptive immunotherapy using third-party T cells has proven safe and effective in preliminary studies. Vaccine development continues, with several promising candidates currently under study. Summary No longer limited to DNA polymerase inhibitors, the prevention and treatment of CMV infections in the HCT recipient is a rapidly evolving field which should translate into improvements in CMV-related outcomes.
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13
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Bruminhent J, Razonable R. Advances in drug therapies for cytomegalovirus in transplantation: a focus on maribavir and letermovir. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1835639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jackrapong Bruminhent
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Excellence Center for Organ Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - R.R. Razonable
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- William J Von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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14
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Isberner N, Aghai F, Schirmer D, Kraus S, Grigoleit GU, Klinker H. Quantification of letermovir in human serum using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2020; 1159:122399. [PMID: 33126068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A simple, rapid, cost-effective and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography method with diode array detection was developed and validated for the quantification of letermovir, a compound approved for prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in adult recipients of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Sorafenib was used as internal standard. Samples were pre-treated by liquid-liquid extraction with tert-butyl methylether. Separation was achieved on a XTerra® RP18 column (150 × 2.1 mm, 5 µm) at 30 °C using gradient elution with a mobile phase of 20 mM ammonium bicarbonate pH 7.9 (mobile phase A) and acetonitrile:20 mM ammonium bicarbonate (9:1 v/v) (mobile phase B). Samples were eluted at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min throughout the 20-min run. UV wavelength mode was used, letermovir and sorafenib were monitored at 260 nm. The calibration curve was linear in a concentration range of 25-5000 ng/mL with correlation coefficients ≥ 0.99. Intra-day and inter-day accuracy expressed as relative error were -11.4-20% and -7.96-10.62%, respectively. Precision expressed as coefficient of variation was 1.44-3.15% (intra-day) and 1.17-1.93% (inter-day). The method was successfully applied for analysis of 128 letermovir levels demonstrating its usefulness for letermovir monitoring in routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Isberner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Fatemeh Aghai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Diana Schirmer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Kraus
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Götz Ulrich Grigoleit
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hartwig Klinker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
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15
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Keil T, Liu D, Lloyd M, Coombs W, Moffat J, Visalli R. DNA Encapsidation and Capsid Assembly Are Underexploited Antiviral Targets for the Treatment of Herpesviruses. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1862. [PMID: 32903425 PMCID: PMC7434925 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there are effective nucleoside analogs to treat HSV, VZV, and HCMV disease, herpesvirus infections continue to contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Acyclovir is the drug of choice for HSV encephalopathy, yet there is an estimated 6-19% mortality rate with half of the survivors experiencing moderate to severe chronic neurological deficits. For VZV, current treatments are inadequate to prevent acute and persistent pain due to zoster. Treatment of HCMV with GCV requires close monitoring particularly in patients with impaired renal function and there are no approved treatments for congenital HCMV infections. New therapeutic options to control cytomegalovirus reactivation in bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients are needed to improve patient outcome. No successful chemotherapeutic options are available for EBV, HHV-6, 7, and 8. Drug resistance is a concern for HCMV, HSV, and VZV since approved drugs share common mechanisms of action. Targeting DNA encapsidation or capsid assembly provide additional options for the development of non-nucleoside, small molecule anti-herpesviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Keil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, United States
| | - Dongmei Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Megan Lloyd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Wanda Coombs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Jennifer Moffat
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Robert Visalli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, United States
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16
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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] [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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17
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Faure Bardon V, Peytavin G, Lê MP, Guilleminot T, Elefant E, Stirnemann J, Leruez-Ville M, Ville Y. Placental transfer of Letermovir & Maribavir in the ex vivo human cotyledon perfusion model. New perspectives for in utero treatment of congenital cytomegalovirus infection. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232140. [PMID: 32353010 PMCID: PMC7192425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital cytomegalovirus infection can lead to severe sequelae. When fetal infection is confirmed, we hypothesize that fetal treatment could improve the outcome. Maternal oral administration of an effective drug crossing the placenta could allow fetal treatment. Letermovir (LMV) and Maribavir (MBV) are new CMV antivirals, and potential candidates for fetal treatment. Methods The objective was to investigate the placental transfer of LMV and MBV in the ex vivo method of the human perfused cotyledon. Term placentas were perfused, in an open-circuit model, with LMV or MBV at concentrations in the range of clinical peak plasma concentrations. Concentrations were measured using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Mean fetal transfer rate (FTR) (fetal (FC) /maternal concentration), clearance index (CLI), accumulation index (AI) (retention of each drug in the cotyledon tissue) were measured. Mean FC were compared with half maximal effective concentrations of the drugs (EC50(LMV) and EC50(MBV)). Results For LMV, the mean FC was (± standard deviation) 1.1 ± 0.2 mg/L, 1,000-fold above the EC50(LMV). Mean FTR, CLI and AI were 9 ± 1%, 35 ± 6% and 4 ± 2% respectively. For MBV, the mean FC was 1.4 ± 0.2 mg/L, 28-fold above the EC50(MBV). Mean FTR, CLI and AI were 10 ± 1%, 50 ± 7% and 2 ± 1% respectively. Conclusions Drugs’ concentrations in the fetal side should be in the range for in utero treatment of fetuses infected with CMV as the mean FC was superior to the EC50 for both molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Faure Bardon
- APHP, Fetal Medicine and Obstetric Department, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France
- EHU7328, IMAGINE Institute, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Peytavin
- APHP, Pharmacology & Toxicology Laboratory and IAME, Inserm UMR 1137, Université Paris, Paris, France
| | - Minh Patrick Lê
- APHP, Pharmacology & Toxicology Laboratory and IAME, Inserm UMR 1137, Université Paris, Paris, France
| | - Tiffany Guilleminot
- EHU7328, IMAGINE Institute, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- APHP, Virology Laboratory, National Reference Laboratory for congenital CMV, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Elisabeth Elefant
- CRAT, Reference Centre on Teratogenic Agents, APHP, Trousseau Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Julien Stirnemann
- APHP, Fetal Medicine and Obstetric Department, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France
- EHU7328, IMAGINE Institute, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Marianne Leruez-Ville
- EHU7328, IMAGINE Institute, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- APHP, Virology Laboratory, National Reference Laboratory for congenital CMV, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Yves Ville
- APHP, Fetal Medicine and Obstetric Department, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France
- EHU7328, IMAGINE Institute, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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18
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Antiviral prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus infection in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Blood Adv 2019; 2:2159-2175. [PMID: 30154125 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018016493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are at risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and disease, which results in increased morbidity and mortality. Although universal antiviral prophylaxis against CMV improves outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients, data have been conflicting regarding such prophylaxis in patients undergoing allogeneic HCT. We conducted a systematic review of randomized trials of prophylactic antivirals against CMV after allogeneic HCT to summarize the evolution of the field over the last 35 years and evaluate the prophylactic potential of antiviral agents against CMV after allogeneic HCT. Electronic databases were queried from database inception through 31 December 2017. For included studies, incidence of CMV infection and all-cause mortality were collected as primary outcomes; CMV disease incidence, use of preemptive therapy, and drug toxicities were collected as secondary outcomes. Nineteen clinical trials conducted between 1981 and 2017 involving a total of 4173 patients were included for review. Prophylactic strategies included use of acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, maribavir, brincidofovir, and letermovir compared with placebo or a comparator antiviral. Fourteen trials that compared antiviral prophylaxis with placebo demonstrated overall effectiveness in reducing incidence of CMV infection (odds ratio [OR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.58), CMV disease (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.40-0.80), and use of preemptive therapy (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.42-0.62; 6 trials); however, none demonstrated reduction in all-cause mortality (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.78-1.18) except the phase 3 trial of letermovir (week-24 OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.38-0.98). Additional research is warranted to determine patient groups most likely to benefit from antiviral prophylaxis and its optimal deployment after allogeneic HCT.
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19
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Piret J, Boivin G. Clinical development of letermovir and maribavir: Overview of human cytomegalovirus drug resistance. Antiviral Res 2019; 163:91-105. [PMID: 30690043 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The prevention and treatment of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections is based on the use of antiviral agents that currently target the viral DNA polymerase and that may cause serious side effects. The search for novel inhibitors against HCMV infection led to the discovery of new molecular targets, the viral terminase complex and the viral pUL97 kinase. The most advanced compounds consist of letermovir (LMV) and maribavir (MBV). LMV inhibits the cleavage of viral DNA and its packaging into capsids by targeting the HCMV terminase complex. LMV is safe and well tolerated and exhibits pharmacokinetic properties that allow once daily dosing. LMV showed efficacy in a phase III prophylaxis study in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients seropositive for HCMV. LMV was recently approved under the trade name Prevymis™ for prophylaxis of HCMV infection in adult seropositive recipients of an allogeneic HSCT. Amino acid substitutions conferring resistance to LMV selected in vitro map primarily to the pUL56 and rarely to the pUL89 and pUL51 subunits of the HCMV terminase complex. MBV is an inhibitor of the viral pUL97 kinase activity and interferes with the morphogenesis and nuclear egress of nascent viral particles. MBV is safe and well tolerated and has an excellent oral bioavailability. MBV was effective for the treatment of HCMV infections (including those that are refractory or drug-resistant) in transplant recipients in two phase II studies and is further evaluated in two phase III trials. Mutations conferring resistance to MBV map to the UL97 gene and can cause cross-resistance to ganciclovir. MBV-resistant mutations also emerged in the UL27 gene in vitro and could compensate for the inhibition of pUL97 kinase activity by MBV. Thus, LMV and probably MBV will broaden the armamentarium of antiviral drugs available for the prevention and treatment of HCMV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyne Piret
- Research Center in Infectious Diseases, CHU of Quebec and Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Guy Boivin
- Research Center in Infectious Diseases, CHU of Quebec and Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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20
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Hecke SV, Calcoen B, Lagrou K, Maertens J. Letermovir for prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus manifestations in adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Future Microbiol 2019; 14:175-184. [PMID: 30644320 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) manifestations remain important complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), even in the current era. Unfortunately, available anti-CMV agents, mainly viral polymerase inhibitors, have a substantial risk of myelosuppression and nephrotoxicity. Letermovir, a novel anti-CMV drug that targets the viral terminase complex, has recently been approved for the prevention of clinically significant CMV infection in adult CMV seropositive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. This molecule could become a paradigm-shifting drug in preventing CMV manifestations based on its novel mechanism of action, lack of cross-resistance with available drugs, proven efficacy in a large randomized clinical trial, and its beneficial toxicity and tolerability profile. Drug-drug interactions and the lack of any activity against other viruses are the main shortcomings of letermovir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Van Hecke
- Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bas Calcoen
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Maertens
- Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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21
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Fishman JA, Costa SF, Alexander BD. Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients. KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION - PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE 2019. [PMCID: PMC7152057 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-53186-3.00031-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In organ transplant recipients, impaired inflammatory responses suppress the clinical and radiologic findings of infection. The possible etiologies of infection are diverse, ranging from common bacterial and viral pathogens that affect the entire community to opportunistic pathogens that cause invasive disease only in immunocompromised hosts. Antimicrobial therapies required to treat established infection are often complex, with accompanying risks for drug toxicities and drug interactions with the immunosuppressive agents used to maintain graft function. Rapid and specific diagnosis is essential for successful therapy. The risk of serious infections in the organ transplant patient is largely determined by the interaction between two factors: the patient’s epidemiologic exposures and the patient’s net state of immunosuppression. The epidemiology of infection includes environmental exposures and nosocomial infections, organisms derived from donor tissues, and latent infections from the recipient activated with immunosuppression. The net state of immune suppression is a conceptual framework that measures those factors contributing to risk for infection: the dose, duration, and temporal sequence of immunosuppressive drugs; the presence of foreign bodies or injuries to mucocutaneous barriers; neutropenia; metabolic abnormalities including diabetes; devitalized tissues, hematomas, or effusions postsurgery; and infection with immunomodulating viruses. Multiple factors are present in each host. A timeline exists to aid in the development of a differential diagnosis for infection. The timeline for each patient is altered by changes in prophylaxis and immunosuppressive drugs. For common infections, new microbiologic assays, often nucleic acid based, are useful in the diagnosis and management of opportunistic infections.
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22
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cytomegalovirus infection (CMVi) has been the troll of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Over the last 4 decades various approaches have been adopted to minimize the burden from CMVi. There has been major advancement in the management of CMVi in HCT within the last few years that is poised to change the approaches employed in preventing and managing CMVi. This review will summarize recent advances and potential future development in the management of CMV in HCT. RECENT FINDING The major development has been the approval of letermovir for the prevention of CMVi in allo-HCT recipients. Also, with the potential availability of tests that can determine host CMV immunity a risk adapted approach to CMV prevention may become a possibility. SUMMARY The landscape of CMV prevention is about to change with the approval of a new anti-CMV antiviral that is safe and effective. However, the prophylaxis may lead to late onset CMVi in the context of ongoing risk factors after stopping prophylaxis and measures to counter this shifting epidemiology will need further research; such as extending the prophylaxis in high-risk patients vs. immunotherapy with vaccination and T-cell therapy.
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23
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Ligat G, Cazal R, Hantz S, Alain S. The human cytomegalovirus terminase complex as an antiviral target: a close-up view. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2018; 42:137-145. [PMID: 29361041 PMCID: PMC5972660 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuy004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is responsible for life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals and can cause serious congenital malformations. Available antivirals target the viral polymerase but are subject to cross-resistance and toxicity. New antivirals targeting other replication steps and inducing fewer adverse effects are therefore needed. During HCMV replication, DNA maturation and packaging are performed by the terminase complex, which cleaves DNA to package the genome into the capsid. Identified in herpesviruses and bacteriophages, and with no counterpart in mammalian cells, these terminase proteins are ideal targets for highly specific antivirals. A new terminase inhibitor, letermovir, recently proved effective against HCMV in phase III clinical trials, but the mechanism of action is unclear. Letermovir has no significant activity against other herpesvirus or non-human CMV. This review focuses on the highly conserved mechanism of HCMV DNA-packaging and the potential of the terminase complex to serve as an antiviral target. We describe the intrinsic mechanism of DNA-packaging, highlighting the structure-function relationship of HCMV terminase complex components.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ligat
- Université Limoges, INSERM, CHU Limoges, UMR 1092, 2 rue Dr Marcland, 87000 Limoges, France.,CHU Limoges, Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Virologie-Hygiène, National Reference Center for Herpesviruses (NRHV), 2 avenue Martin Luther King, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - R Cazal
- Université Limoges, INSERM, CHU Limoges, UMR 1092, 2 rue Dr Marcland, 87000 Limoges, France.,CHU Limoges, Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Virologie-Hygiène, National Reference Center for Herpesviruses (NRHV), 2 avenue Martin Luther King, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - S Hantz
- Université Limoges, INSERM, CHU Limoges, UMR 1092, 2 rue Dr Marcland, 87000 Limoges, France.,CHU Limoges, Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Virologie-Hygiène, National Reference Center for Herpesviruses (NRHV), 2 avenue Martin Luther King, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - S Alain
- Université Limoges, INSERM, CHU Limoges, UMR 1092, 2 rue Dr Marcland, 87000 Limoges, France.,CHU Limoges, Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Virologie-Hygiène, National Reference Center for Herpesviruses (NRHV), 2 avenue Martin Luther King, 87000 Limoges, France
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24
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Deleenheer B, Spriet I, Maertens J. Pharmacokinetic drug evaluation of letermovir prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2018; 14:1197-1207. [PMID: 30479172 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2018.1550485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Letermovir is a new antiviral approved to prevent cytomegalovirus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. It has a distinct mechanism of action as it acts as a terminase complex inhibitor, and shows some advantages compared to the current treatment options for cytomegalovirus infection. Areas covered: This review focuses on the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and drug-drug interactions of letermovir. Expert opinion: Letermovir is a new antiviral to prevent cytomegalovirus infection. Unlike the currently used polymerase inhibitors, it has a distinct mechanism of action with better safety, limited resistance, and no cross-resistance. Although a lot of research on pharmacokinetics and drug-drug interactions has already been performed, it might be useful to clarify the effect of letermovir on voriconazole exposure, the drug-drug interaction between caspofungine and letermovir and the effect of statins on letermovir exposure. Also, the lack of an exposure-response relationship should be confirmed in large real-life post-marketing studies in order to be able to lower the intravenous dose of letermovir.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Spriet
- a Pharmacy Department , University Hospitals Leuven , Leuven , Belgium.,b KU Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Johan Maertens
- c Department of Microbiology and Immunology , KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium.,d Clinical Department of Haematology , University Hospitals Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
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25
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Gentry BG, Bogner E, Drach JC. Targeting the terminase: An important step forward in the treatment and prophylaxis of human cytomegalovirus infections. Antiviral Res 2018; 161:116-124. [PMID: 30472161 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A key step in the replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in the host cell is the generation and packaging of unit-length genomes into preformed capsids. Enzymes required for this process are so-called terminases, first described for double-stranded DNA bacteriophages. The HCMV terminase consists of the two subunits, the ATPase pUL56 and the nuclease pUL89, and a potential third component pUL51. The terminase subunits are essential for virus replication and are highly conserved throughout the Herpesviridae family. Together with the portal protein pUL104 they form a powerful biological nanomotor. It has been shown for tailed dsDNA bacteriophages that DNA translocation into preformed capsid needs an extraordinary amount of energy. The HCMV terminase subunit pUL56 provides the required ATP hydrolyzing activity. The necessary nuclease activity to cleave the concatemers into unit-length genomes is mediated by the terminase subunit pUL89. Whether this cleavage is mediated by site-specific duplex nicking has not been demonstrated, however, it is required for packaging. Binding to the portal is a prerequisite for DNA translocation. To date, it is a common view that during translocation the terminase moves along some domains of the DNA by a binding and release mechanism. These critical structures have proven to be outstanding targets for drugs to treat HCMV infections because corresponding structures do not exist in mammalian cells. Herein we examine the HCMV terminase as a target for drugs and review several inhibitors discovered by both lead-directed medicinal chemistry and by target-specific design. In addition to producing clinically active compounds the research also has furthered the understanding of the role and function of the terminase itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian G Gentry
- Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2507 University Ave., Des Moines, 50311, IA, USA.
| | - Elke Bogner
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - John C Drach
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1101 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, 48109, MI, USA.
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26
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Foolad F, Aitken SL, Chemaly RF. Letermovir for the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in adult cytomegalovirus-seropositive hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2018; 11:931-941. [PMID: 30004790 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2018.1500897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants (allo-HCT) recipients are at the high-risk of reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV), and reactivation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although available anti-CMV therapies may be effective for the prevention of CMV, they are plagued by unacceptable toxicities that prohibit their use in the post-transplant period. Recently studied CMV-active agents, such as maribavir and brincidofovir, failed to reduce the incidence of CMV infection in HCT recipients. Letermovir represents the first agent in the non-nucleoside 3,4 dihydro-quinazoline class of CMV viral terminase complex inhibitors, with activity solely against CMV. The positive results from the recently published Phase III study of letermovir for prevention of CMV infection in CMV-seropositive allo-HCT recipients led to its approval as a prophylactic agent for CMV in multiple countries. Areas covered: In this review, we will evaluate this novel agent with a focus on letermovir mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and metabolism, clinical efficacy, and safety and toxicities. Expert commentary: With the introduction of letermovir, prevention of CMV infection in allo-HCT recipients may shift considerably, from a predominantly preemptive strategy to one that utilizes this novel therapy for prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Foolad
- a Division of Pharmacy , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Samuel L Aitken
- a Division of Pharmacy , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , Texas , USA.,b Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Genomics , UTHealth McGovern Medical School , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Roy F Chemaly
- c Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Employee Health , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , Texas , USA
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27
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Britt WJ, Prichard MN. New therapies for human cytomegalovirus infections. Antiviral Res 2018; 159:153-174. [PMID: 30227153 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The recent approval of letermovir marks a new era of therapy for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections, particularly for the prevention of HCMV disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. For almost 30 years ganciclovir has been the therapy of choice for these infections and by today's standards this drug exhibits only modest antiviral activity that is often insufficient to completely suppress viral replication, and drives the selection of drug-resistant variants that continue to replicate and contribute to disease. While ganciclovir remains the therapy of choice, additional drugs that inhibit novel molecular targets, such as letermovir, will be required as highly effective combination therapies are developed not only for the treatment of immunocompromised hosts, but also for congenitally infected infants. Sustained efforts, largely in the biotech industry and academia, have identified additional highly active lead compounds that have progressed into clinical studies with varying levels of success and at least two have the potential to be approved in the near future. Some of the new drugs in the pipeline inhibit new molecular targets, remain effective against isolates that have developed resistance to existing therapies, and promise to augment existing therapeutic regimens. Here, we will describe some of the unique features of HCMV biology and discuss their effect on therapeutic needs. Existing drugs will also be discussed and some of the more promising candidates will be reviewed with an emphasis on those progressing through clinical studies. The in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity, spectrum of antiviral activity, and mechanism of action of new compounds will be reviewed to provide an update on potential new therapies for HCMV infections that have progressed significantly in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Britt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham AL 35233-1711, USA
| | - Mark N Prichard
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham AL 35233-1711, USA.
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Kornfeind EM, Visalli RJ. Human herpesvirus portal proteins: Structure, function, and antiviral prospects. Rev Med Virol 2018; 28:e1972. [PMID: 29573302 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Herpesviruses (Herpesvirales) and tailed bacteriophages (Caudovirales) package their dsDNA genomes through an evolutionarily conserved mechanism. Much is known about the biochemistry and structural biology of phage portal proteins and the DNA encapsidation (viral genome cleavage and packaging) process. Although not at the same level of detail, studies on HSV-1, CMV, VZV, and HHV-8 have revealed important information on the function and structure of herpesvirus portal proteins. During dsDNA phage and herpesviral genome replication, concatamers of viral dsDNA are cleaved into single length units by a virus-encoded terminase and packaged into preformed procapsids through a channel located at a single capsid vertex (portal). Oligomeric portals are formed by the interaction of identical portal protein monomers. Comparing portal protein primary aa sequences between phage and herpesviruses reveals little to no sequence similarity. In contrast, the secondary and tertiary structures of known portals are remarkable. In all cases, function is highly conserved in that portals are essential for DNA packaging and also play a role in releasing viral genomic DNA during infection. Preclinical studies have described small molecules that target the HSV-1 and VZV portals and prevent viral replication by inhibiting encapsidation. This review summarizes what is known concerning the structure and function of herpesvirus portal proteins primarily based on their conserved bacteriophage counterparts and the potential to develop novel portal-specific DNA encapsidation inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellyn M Kornfeind
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, USA
| | - Robert J Visalli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, USA
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Kropeit D, Scheuenpflug J, Erb-Zohar K, Halabi A, Stobernack HP, Hulskotte EGJ, van Schanke A, Zimmermann H, Rübsamen-Schaeff H. Pharmacokinetics and safety of letermovir, a novel anti-human cytomegalovirus drug, in patients with renal impairment. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83:1944-1953. [PMID: 28345163 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Human cytomegalovirus remains a significant issue for immunocompromised patients and existing viral polymerase targeting therapies are associated with significant toxicity. Accordingly, the viral terminase complex inhibitor, letermovir, is in development. We assessed letermovir pharmacokinetics in renal impairment. METHODS This was a Phase 1, open-label, nonrandomised trial. Estimated glomerular filtration rate based on the Modification of Diet Renal Disease equation was used to create three groups of eight subjects: healthy function (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 90 ml min-1 1.73m-2 ), moderate (30-59 ml min-1 1.73m-2 ) and severe (<30 ml min-1 1.73m-2 ) impairment. Oral letermovir 120 mg was dosed once-daily for 8 days and blood collected for pharmacokinetic analyses. RESULTS All 24 subjects enrolled completed the trial. Moderate and severe renal impairment increased mean unbound letermovir fractions by 11% and 26%, respectively, vs. healthy subjects. Exposure (AUCτ,ss and Css,max ) was increased with renal impairment [least square mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) total letermovir vs. healthy subjects, AUCτ,ss 192% (143-258%) and 142% (83-243%) for moderate and severe impairment, respectively; Css,max 125% (87-182%) and 106% (75-151%), respectively]. Clearance was decreased vs. healthy subjects. Correlation analyses indicated a correlation between decreasing renal function and increased unbound letermovir concentration (R2 = 0.5076, P < 0.0001). Correlations were identified between decreased clearance with both decreased renal function (R2 = 0.0662, P = 0.2249 and R2 = 0.1861, P = 0.0353 total and unbound clearance, respectively) and increased age (R2 = 0.3548, P = 0.0021 and R2 = 0.3166, P = 0.0042 total and unbound clearance, respectively). Multiple-dose letermovir 120 mg was well tolerated across groups. CONCLUSIONS Renal impairment increased exposure to letermovir, although age was a confounding factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Kropeit
- AiCuris Anti-infective Cures GmbH, Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | | | - Atef Halabi
- CRS Clinical Research Services Kiel GmbH, Kiel, Germany
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