The UW Experience: Feasibility of De Novo Letermovir for Primary Prophylaxis After Abdominal Solid Organ Transplant

Background: Letermovir is approved for primary prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in high-risk kidney transplant recipients. However, many experts suggest the drug be reserved as a second-line agent when valganciclovir is not tolerated or fails.Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility of a de novo letermovir prophylactic approach for CMV high-risk and seropositive abdominal solid organ transplant patients.Methods: Retrospective review of abdominal transplant recipients who required CMV prophylaxis between June 6, 2023, and June 6, 2024. The purpose was to evaluate feasibility of universal letermovir prophylaxis and prophylaxis success.Results: 278 patients required CMV prophylaxis and 207 obtained letermovir (74% success). Mean time from transplant to drug approval was 10.5 +/- 27 days. Mean out of pocket patient cost was $10.19 +/- $36.06 per 28-day supply of letermovir and $55.69 +/- $311.48 per 30-day supply of valganciclovir (P = 0.0419). For patients who obtained letermovir, 107 (52%) required prior authorization; 32 (16%) required insurance appeal after denial of prior authorization. Forty-two patients (20%) used Merck copay assistance program while 23 (11%) used the Merck Access patient assistance program to obtain drug. There were no episodes of prophylaxis failure due to breakthrough replication necessitating termination.Conclusion and Relevance: De novo use of letermovir for CMV primary prophylaxis after abdominal transplant was found to be feasible with a high rate of success in obtaining the drug in a timely manner posttransplant and without significant out-of-pocket cost to the patient.