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| |  Ribavirin Helps Immune System Eliminate Virus Infections NEW YORK, NY -- Feb. 22, 1999 -- Scientists at ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have discovered that treatment with ribavirin, a synthetic nucleoside with antiviral activity discovered and developed by ICN, enhances the ability of human immune system cells to make critical proteins that help eliminate virus infections. The laboratory research, reported in the March 1999 issue of Journal of Hepatology, helps explain the mechanism by which ribavirin provides benefit in combination therapy with interferon in the treatment of hepatitis C, a chronic virus infection affecting millions of people world-wide. Recently reported clinical results on the use of ribavirin in combination therapy with interferon alfa-2b for the treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) have been positive. The immune response to virus infections is predominately mediated by T-cells, which eliminate virus-infected cells from the body. The T-cell response is regulated by certain proteins called cytokines. Some cytokines enhance this T-cell response, while other, different cytokines enhance the production of antibodies that help protect against a repeat infection. An ICN research team headed by Robert Tam, Ph.D. found that ribavirin can increase production of those cytokines that enhance the T-cell response. Besides helping to understand an important use of ribavirin in HCV therapy, the results also may point the way to future new medicines. The research has implications for future treatments of a variety of diseases, because an appropriate immune response is so important in maintaining health. ICN currently markets ribavirin as Virazole(R) in a variety of dosage forms for at least one of 10 indications in 44 countries, including in the U.S. and the European Union for aerosol use for the treatment of hospitalised infants and young children with severe lower respiratory infection due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Schering-Plough Corp. has exclusive rights to market oral ribavirin for hepatitis C in all major world markets through a licensing agreement with ICN. The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved Schering-Plough's Rebetron(TM) Combination Therapy containing Rebetol(R) (ribavirin, USP) Capsules and Intron(R) A (Interferon alfa-2b, recombinant) Injection for the treatment of hepatitis C in patients with compensated liver disease, previously untreated with alpha interferon or who have relapsed following alpha interferon therapy.
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