Drug intelligence / Profile preview

ribavirin + interferon alpha-2a

Development stage
Unknown
Lead developer
Roche
Modality
Orthosteric Ligands → Classical Binding Small Molecules → Small Molecules, DNA Intercalators/Alkylators → Nucleic Acid-Directed Small Molecules → Small Molecules, Metabolically Activated Prodrugs → Prodrugs/Conditional Activator Small Molecules → Small Molecules, Cytokines & Interferons → Recombinant Proteins and Enzymes
Administration
Oral, Subcutaneous
01

Overview

This drug is a combination therapy consisting of ribavirin, a synthetic guanosine nucleoside antiviral agent, and interferon alpha-2a (often in its pegylated form as peginterferon alfa-2a), a recombinant cytokine. The combination is primarily used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Ribavirin inhibits viral RNA synthesis and mRNA capping by acting as a nucleoside analog after intracellular phosphorylation. Interferon alpha-2a binds to type 1 interferon receptors on host cells, activating the JAK/STAT pathway and inducing an innate antiviral response through upregulation of multiple genes involved in immune defense. This dual mechanism targets both viral replication directly (ribavirin) and enhances host immune response against HCV (interferon). The combination was considered first-line therapy before the advent of direct acting antivirals but remains notable for its broad-spectrum antiviral activity[1][4][5][6].

Other names
ribavirin and interferon alpha-2aribavirin plus interferon alpha-2aribavirin + peginterferon alfa-2a
02

Targets

RdRp (Coronavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase)IFNAR2 (Interferon alpha/beta receptor subunit 2)IFNAR (Immune system modulation via type I interferon receptor)vCE (Viral mRNA capping enzyme)IMPDH (Inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase 1)

Beyond the preview

Go deeper on ribavirin + interferon alpha-2a.

Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.

Clinical trials

Full profile access

Follow clinical development from study design and recruitment through results.

  • Trial phase
  • Status
  • Readouts

Indications & development

Full profile access

Explore development by indication, patient population, and geography.

  • Indications
  • Development status
  • Countries

Licensing & deals

Full profile access

Trace asset ownership, licensing agreements, and commercial partnerships.

  • Partners
  • Deal terms
  • Milestones

Patents & exclusivity

Full profile access

Explore the patent landscape and regulatory exclusivity around an asset.

  • Patents
  • Expiration dates
  • Exclusivity

Competitive landscape

Full profile access

Compare development programs by target, modality, and indication.

  • Competing assets
  • Targets
  • Development stage

Research & analysis

Full profile access

Connect source evidence and development news to your research questions.

  • Publications
  • News
  • Analysis

Bring the full picture into focus.

See how Gosset can support your research on ribavirin + interferon alpha-2a.

Explore the full profile

Gosset Free

Get started with Gosset.

Enter your work email and we’ll be in touch with next steps.

Work email preferred.

Book a call