Brequinar + Ribavirin

Brequinar + ribavirin is a combination of two small molecule antiviral agents with distinct mechanisms of action. Brequinar is an orally available, potent, and selective inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), blocking host cell de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis and thereby inhibiting viral RNA synthesis[4][7][8]. Ribavirin is a synthetic guanosine nucleoside analogue that interferes with the synthesis of viral mRNA by increasing mutation frequency in viral genomes, inhibiting viral RNA polymerase, and disrupting mRNA capping[5][6]. This combination has been investigated for synergistic antiviral effects in preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials for diseases such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and various viral infections including COVID-19[3][4]. Brequinar was originally developed as an antimetabolite for cancer therapy by DuPont but has since been repurposed for antiviral applications. Ribavirin is primarily indicated for hepatitis C when used with interferon-based therapies but also exhibits broad-spectrum activity against several DNA and RNA viruses.

Brand names

CopegusRebetolVirazole

Other names

synthetic guanosine nucleoside