Key result
Novel antivirals, vaccines, and immune therapies emerge in early-stage trials to mitigate CMV infection.
Why the study?
Currently approved indications for letermovir and maribavir remain relatively restricted, leaving an ongoing need for additional interventions to limit the impact of cytomegalovirus in immunocompromised and immunocompetent persons.
There is a need for a broader approach to mitigating CMV infection, with novel antivirals, vaccines, and immune-based therapies showing promise in early-stage trials.
Further CMV interventions remain needed beyond current approvals; leaves open the potential of phase I/II agents, vaccines, and cell therapies.
INTRODUCTION: The additions of letermovir and maribavir to the cytomegalovirus (CMV) armamentarium have markedly changed the landscape of CMV prevention and treatment in transplant recipients. However, their currently approved indications remain relatively restricted, and there is still a definite need for additional interventions to limit the impact of CMV in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent persons. The development of novel antivirals, vaccines, and immunotherapy-based strategies would represent significant steps toward this goal. AREAS COVERED: This review examines anti-CMV agents in early stage (Phase I or II) clinical trials, including expanding indications for existing agents, novel agents, vaccines, and immune-based therapies. EXPERT OPINION: Despite recent advances in CMV chemoprevention and treatment in transplant recipients, there remains a need for a broader, more diversified approach to mitigating the impact of CMV infection in both transplant and non-immunocompromised persons. Intravenous brincidofovir would provide an important alternative option to current antivirals in the right clinical setting. Several promising vaccine candidates are in various stages of clinical development. A safe and effective vaccine may also expand preventative strategies beyond transplant recipients and into healthy persons, specifically for the prevention of maternal-to-fetal transmission. The therapeutic possibilities of VST and TCR therapy represent important potential adjuncts to antivirals.
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Hakki et al. (2025) conducted a review in cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. anti-CMV agents was evaluated. This review of early-stage clinical trials highlights the development of novel antivirals, vaccines, and immune-based therapies to mitigate cytomegalovirus infection.
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