Ribavirin

 Ribavirin (36791-04-5),also named rtca,tribavirin and 1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide, it has some brand names like Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere, Vilona and Virazole.How the Ribavirin exactly affects viral replication is unknown; many mechanisms have been proposed for this (see Mechanisms of Action, below) but none of these has been proven. Multiple mechanisms maybe is responsible for its actions.Ribavirin physically is similar to the sugar D-ribose. It is freely soluble in water, and is re-crystallized as fine silvery needles from boiling methanol. It is only sparingly soluble in anhydrous ethanol.
Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₂N₄O₅
Molecular Weight: 244.2 g/mol
Melting point:  174-176°C
Storage temp.:  2-8 °C
Water Solubility:  >=10 g/100 mL at 19 °C
Surface Tension: 106.7 dyne/cm  
Index of Refraction: 1.823
Density: 2.08 g/cm³
Flash Point: 340.7 °C
Enthalpy of Vaporization: 99.28 kJ/mol
Boiling Point: 639.8 °C at 760 mmHg
Vapour Pressure: 3.03E-17 mmHg at 25 °C 
Appearance: Colourless Solid
Merck:  8198
Following is the molecular structure of Ribavirin (36791-04-5):
  
 

 Ribavirin (36791-04-5) is a synthetic chemical not natural. It was first synthesized in 1970 (Lau, 2002—see hepcassoc.org external link below) at ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (later Valeant Pharmaceuticals International) by chemist Joseph T. Witkowski, under the direction of laboratory director Roland K. Robins. This was inspired in part by discovery (in the 1960s) of antiviral activity from naturally-occurring purine-like nucleoside antibiotics like showdomycin, coformycin, and pyrazomycin. These agents had too much toxicity to be clinically useful (and the antiviral activity of them may be incidental), but they served as the starting point for pharmaceutical chemists interested in antivirals and antimetabolic chemotherapeutic agents.
    In 1972 it was reported that ribavirin was active against a variety of RNA and DNA viruses in culture and in animals, without undue toxicity.Some results repoted in human trials against experimental influenza infection were mixed, however, and the FDA ultimately did not approve this indication for ribavirin use in humans, thereby causing a severe financial shock to ICN.
    Though ICN was allowed in 1980 to market ribavirin,it is in inhalant form for RSV infection in children.By the time oral ribavirin was finally approved by the FDA as part of a combination treatment (with interferon) for hepatitis C in 1998, the original ICN patents on ribavirin itself had expired, and (notwithstanding subsequent patent disputes) ribavirin had become essentially a generic drug.

 Ribavirin (36791-04-5) is used as broad-spectrum nucleoside antiviral medicine
Ribavirin is active against a number of DNA and RNA viruses. It is a member of the nucleoside antimetabolite drugs that interfere with duplication of viral genetic material. In the U.K. and the U.S. the oral (capsule or tablet) form of ribavirin is used in the treatment of hepatitis C, in combination with pegylated interferon drugs.

RTECS:  XZ4250000

Other safty informations of Ribavirin (36791-04-5):
Hazard Codes :T,Xi
Risk Statements :
  R61: May cause harm to the unborn child
  R36/38 :Irritating to eyes and skin
Safety Statements :
  S53:Avoid exposure - obtain special instruction before use
  S22:Do not breathe dust
  S45:In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label where possible)
  S37/39:Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection
  S26 :In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
WGK Germany: 3