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

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Marty, Francisco M; Boeckh, Michael

Source:

Current opinion in virology, Volume 1, Issue 6, p.555-62 (2011)

Keywords:

2011, April 2012, Center-Authored Paper, Clinical Research Division, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division

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.