Drug–Drug Interaction Management with the Novel Anti-Cytomegalovirus Agents Letermovir and Maribavir: Guidance for Clinicians

Letermovir and maribavir have demonstrated efficacy in the prevention and treatment, respectively, of immunosuppressed patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease. These patients often have polypharmacy making them at risk for drug–drug interactions. Both letermovir and maribavir can be perpetrators and victims of drug–drug interactions. Letermovir is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A, CYP2C8 and OATP1B1/3, and a moderate inducer of CYP2C19. It is a substrate of UGT1A1/3, BCRP, P-gp and OATP1B1/3. Maribavir is a moderate CYP2C9 inhibitor and a substrate of CYP3A. Drug–drug interactions between these anti-CMV agents and a number of therapeutic classes, such as immunosuppressants, antifungal agents, and hemato-oncological agents, can have clinical consequences and deserve dose modification or close monitoring. In a number of examples, three-way drug interactions need to be assessed. The objective of this review is to provide clinicians with guidance for drug–drug interaction management, based on existing data from drug–drug interaction studies, and extrapolation to other relevant co-medications that have not (yet) been studied but that are frequently used in these patient populations.