Maribavir for treating cytomegalovirus infection after haematopoietic stem cell transplant

Maribavir is being developed as a first-line pre-emptive therapy for adults with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection post haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). CMV is a common virus that usually only causes mild infection. In people with weakened immunity, such as transplant patients receiving treatment that reduce the activity of the immune system, CMV can cause serious infection. CMV disease can affect several organs in the body, such as the eyes, lungs, and the gastrointestinal tract (the stomach and intestines) and cause organ failure. CMV disease is chronically debilitating and life-threatening. Prevention and treatment of CMV infection after transplantation has been challenged by the limited number of available antivirals and toxicity associated with currently available drugs.