Andino added that the study, published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, marks the first time that the process, known as lethal mutagenesis, has been proven as an effective antiviral drug strategy. While the drug can kill many types of viruses in the laboratory, it does not necessarily help patients with many types of ailments. Ribavirin is approved for use against hepatitis C, lassa fever virus and severe respiratory syncytial virus infections of children. However, the new study does not indicate that the drug is appropriate for treating other infections, Andino said. This is quite exciting.
Ribavirin can also cause uncomfortable side effects.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2001.