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Ribavirin "loading" dose given
Ribavirin is a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral RNA synthesis by interfering with guanosine triphosphate pools and viral polymerase activity.
Ribavirin is a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral RNA synthesis by interfering with guanosine triphosphate pools and viral polymerase activity. Used for Chronic hepatitis C (in combination with interferon-alpha or direct-acting antivirals), Severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, Lassa fever and other hemorrhagic fevers.
At a glance
| Generic name | Ribavirin "loading" dose given |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Göteborg University |
| Drug class | Nucleoside analog antiviral |
| Target | Viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase; IMPDH (inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Virology/Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ribavirin is converted intracellularly to its active triphosphate form, which inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), depleting guanosine nucleotides needed for viral RNA synthesis. It also directly inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and can cause lethal mutagenesis in viral genomes. The 'loading' dose refers to an initial higher dose regimen used to rapidly achieve therapeutic concentrations.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C (in combination with interferon-alpha or direct-acting antivirals)
- Severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection
- Lassa fever and other hemorrhagic fevers
Common side effects
- Hemolytic anemia
- Teratogenicity/embryocidal effects
- Fatigue
- Dyspnea
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Rash
Key clinical trials
- Study of Decitabine in Combination With Sequential Rapamycin or Ribavirin in High Risk AML Patients (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Ribavirin Loading Dose or Priming and Concentration Targeting for HCV Genotype 1 (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Ribavirin "loading" dose given CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ribavirin "loading" dose given updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Göteborg University portfolio CI