Ribavirin

Ribavirin, a ribonucleoside analog, shows antiviral activity against a variety of viruses both in vitro and in vivo. Although its mechanism of action remains unknown exactly, five distinct mechanisms have been proposed to explain the antiviral properties of ribavirin. These include both direct mechanisms (interference with RNA capping, RNA polymerase inhibition, lethal mutagenesis) and indirect mechanisms (inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibition, immunomodulatory effects). Ribavirin is widely used in combination with interferon-α (IFN-α) to treat hepatitis C virus infection. The addition of ribavirin greatly improves IFN-α responses. (The product is for research purpose only.)