Ribavirin 5'-triphosphate selectively and competitively inhibited influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase in a cell-free assay, whereas ribavirin and its 5'-monophosphate had no effect.
Ribavirin 5'-triphosphate is identified as the active metabolite of ribavirin responsible for inhibiting influenza virus RNA polymerase.
Ribavirin 5'-triphosphate (RTP), derived from the broad-spectrum antiviral compound ribavirin (Virazole), can selectively inhibit influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase in a cell-free assay. Ribavirin and its 5'-monophosphate have no effect on the polymerase. The inhibition is competitive with respect to adenosine 5'-triphosphate and guanosine 5'-triphosphate. RTP also inhibits ApG- and GpC-stimulated influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase. Since ribavirin is phosphorylated in the cell, the inhibition of influenza multiplication in the cell may also be caused by RTP.
Eriksson et al. (Wed,) conducted a other in Influenza virus. Ribavirin 5'-triphosphate (RTP) vs. Ribavirin and its 5'-monophosphate was evaluated on Inhibition of influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase. Ribavirin 5'-triphosphate selectively and competitively inhibited influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase in a cell-free assay, whereas ribavirin and its 5'-monophosphate had no effect.