Merck's Prevymis® Launches in China, Marking a New Era in Cytomegalovirus Prevention

Recently, MSD (MSD is the trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., located in Rahway, New Jersey, USA) announced the official launch of its new non-nucleoside cytomegalovirus (CMV) inhibitor, Prevymis® (Letermovir Tablets), in China. It is indicated for the prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and CMV disease in adult CMV-seropositive [R+] recipients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). On August 6, the national launch event of Prevymis®, titled "Envisioning a Bright Future," was successfully held online. Hematology experts from across China gathered virtually to witness this exciting moment and engaged in in-depth discussions on current academic and clinical practice topics related to CMV management.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a widespread herpesvirus that poses a severe threat to the health and lives of hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Studies have shown that CMV infection and CMV disease directly contribute to an increase in transplantation-related mortality. As the world's first and currently only approved drug for the prevention of CMV infection in allogeneic HSCT recipients [as of August 2022], Letermovir has shifted the focus of viral control to earlier prevention, transforming the CMV prevention paradigm in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and filling a critical gap in CMV prevention.

"In recent years, China has made remarkable achievements in the research and clinical fields of blood diseases, especially in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation technology, which has reached a world-leading level. However, the management of cytomegalovirus during the transplantation process remains one of the significant challenges. There is an urgent need in clinics for more precise and efficient solutions to safeguard patients' health." Professor Huang Xiaojun, Director of the National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases and Dean of the Peking University Institute of Hematology, stated, "The 'preventive treatment concept' introduced by Letermovir provides us with a new approach to control cytomegalovirus infections effectively. I look forward to this innovative medical advancement being widely applied in clinical practice, further elevating China's hematopoietic stem cell transplantation capabilities."

Previously, Letermovir tablets and Letermovir injection were approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in December 2021 and May 2022, respectively.

"We are delighted to see that Prevymis®, a groundbreaking drug for the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in allogeneic HSCT recipients, has been expedited into China, fully demonstrating the Chinese government's determination to promote the introduction of innovative drugs and allow cutting-edge medical achievements to benefit a wide range of patients," said Anna Tian, President of MSD China. "The launch of Prevymis® further enriches MSD's anti-infective portfolio, offering more treatment options for patients and healthcare professionals. As a global leader in the field of anti-infectives, we remain committed to driving continuous innovation in medicines, addressing the challenges of infectious diseases, and meeting patient needs. We will continue to work closely with all partners to further improve the accessibility and affordability of high-quality medicines, contributing to the realization of the 'Healthy China 2030' national strategy."

About MSD

For 130 years, MSD has remained committed to our mission of saving lives and improving quality of life, dedicating ourselves to enhancing the brilliance of life by providing medicines and vaccines to tackle some of the world’s most challenging diseases. MSD is the trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey, USA. Through impactful policies, programs, and partnerships, we are fulfilling our commitment to improving healthcare access for patients and the public. Today, MSD continues to lead at the forefront of research and development, advancing the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten global human and animal health — including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases. We strive to be a globally leading R&D-intensive biopharmaceutical company. For more information, visit MSD's corporate headquarters website or follow MSD’s social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About MSD China

China is a crucial part of MSD's global growth strategy. MSD’s China headquarters is located in Shanghai, with a research and development center in Beijing and a manufacturing plant in Hangzhou, achieving the integration of R&D, manufacturing, and commercial operations. We are fully committed to providing high-quality innovative medicines, vaccines, and services to the people of China, benefiting Chinese society. For more information, please visit the MSD China official website or subscribe to MSD China's official WeChat account: msd_china.

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