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Ribavirin (SCH 018908)
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 alfa or direct-acting antivirals), Severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.
At a glance
| Generic name | Ribavirin (SCH 018908) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Rebetol |
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Nucleoside analog antiviral |
| Target | Viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase; GTP depletion |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Virology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ribavirin is converted intracellularly to its active triphosphate form, which depletes cellular GTP pools and directly inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. This dual mechanism reduces viral replication across multiple RNA viruses. It has broad-spectrum antiviral activity and is commonly used in combination with other antivirals for enhanced efficacy.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C (in combination with interferon alfa or direct-acting antivirals)
- Severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection
- Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
- Lassa fever
Common side effects
- Hemolytic anemia
- Teratogenicity / reproductive toxicity
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dyspnea
- Insomnia
Key clinical trials
- Grazoprevir (MK-5172) With Peg-Interferon and Ribavirin in Participants With Chronic Genotype 2 or 3 Hepatitis C (MK-5172-012) (PHASE2)
- Boceprevir/Peginterferon/Ribavirin for Chronic Hepatitis C: Erythropoietin Use Versus Ribavirin Dose Reduction for Anemia (P06086 AM2) (PHASE3)
- Safety and Efficacy of Boceprevir in Asia Pacific Participants With Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 (P07063) (PHASE3)
- Safety and Efficacy of Boceprevir/Peginterferon Alfa-2a/Ribavirin in Interleukin-28B CC Allele-Positive Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Genotype 1 Participants (P07755) (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of Peginterferon Alfa-2b and Ribavirin Therapy in Subjects With Type C Compensated Liver Cirrhosis (Study P05116) (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of PegIntron Plus Ribavirin for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in HIV-Infected Subjects (Study P04469)(TERMINATED) (PHASE4)
- Pharmacoeconomic Study Assessing the Cost of Chronic Hepatitis C Treatment With Peginterferon Alfa-2b (PegIntron) and Ribavirin (Rebetol) in the Czech Republic (Study P04588)(COMPLETED)
- Observational Study Assessing Chronic Hepatitis C Management in Clinical Practice in Italy (Study P05488 AM1)
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 (SCH 018908) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ribavirin (SCH 018908) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI