Ribavirin

Biological Activity

Ribavirin is an antiviral guanosine ribonucleoside analog; misincorporated into mRNA by viral-dependent RNA polymerases. Binds to and redistributes mammalian eIF4E from the nucleus to the cytoplasm (K_i ~ 0.3 μM for the active metabolite, ribavirin triphosphate). Also inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor. Represses colony formation of primary AML-M5 progenitor cells (IC₅₀ ~ 1 μM); reduces disease severity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Inhibits cytopathic effect of SARS-CoV in Vero cells in vitro. Orally available.

Technical Data

The technical data provided above is for guidance only. For batch specific data refer to the Certificate of Analysis.
Tocris products are intended for laboratory research use only, unless stated otherwise.

Background References

1. Ribavirin suppresses eIF4E-mediated oncogenic transformation by physical mimicry of the 7-methyl guanosine mRNA cap.
   Kentsis et al.
   Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.U.S.A., 2004;101:18105
2. Molecular targeting of the oncogene eIF4E in acute myeloid leukemia (AML): a proof-of-principle clinical trial with riba.
   Assouline et al.
   Blood, 2009;114:257
3. Inhibition of SARS coronavirus infection in vitro with clinically approved antiviral drugs.
   Tan et al.
   Emerg.Infect.Dis., 2004;10:581
4. Mechanisms of action of ribavirin against distinct viruses.
   Graci and Cameron
   Rev.Med.Virol., 2006;16:37

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