Comparative Emergence of Maribavir and Ganciclovir Resistance in a Randomized Phase 3 Clinical Trial for Treatment of Cytomegalovirus Infection

BACKGROUND: Among 547 patients receiving maribavir or valganciclovir for first-episode cytomegalovirus infection after hematopoietic cell transplant, the treatment response rate was 69.6% and 77.4% respectively. Development of maribavir and ganciclovir resistance was compared after receiving either drug. METHODS: Viral mutations conferring drug resistance were analyzed in plasma DNA extracts at baseline and posttreatment. RESULTS: Prior antiviral drug exposure was limited, with only 2 instances of baseline drug resistance detected. An equal number (n = 241) received valganciclovir or maribavir for at least 21 days (median, 55-56 days). Among them, drug resistance mutations were detected in 24 (10%) maribavir recipients at 35-125 days (median, 56 days) after starting therapy, including in 12 of 14 who experienced a viral load rebound while on therapy. Ganciclovir resistance mutations developed in 6 (2.5%) valganciclovir recipients at 66-110 days (median, 90 days). One maribavir recipient developed a novel UL97 gene mutation (P-loop substitution G343A) that conferred strong maribavir and ganciclovir resistance in vitro. Viral clearance was confirmed in 17 (74%) of 23 patients with emergent maribavir resistance after retreatment with an alternative CMV antiviral drug. CONCLUSIONS: After 3-8 weeks of therapy, maribavir resistance emerged earlier and more frequently than ganciclovir resistance but was usually treatable using alternative therapy. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02927067 (AURORA).