Research Progress in Pharmacological Actions, Mechanisms, Structural Modifications and Targeted Formulations of Ribavirin

doi:10.19803/j.1672-8629.20250199

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To explore the pharmacological actions, mechanisms, structural modifications and targeted formulations of ribavirin (RBV) in order to provide references for the pharmacological research and clinical applications of RBV. Methods Related literature on RBV that was published as of May 2, 2025 was retrieved from such databases as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, National Science and Technology Library of China, and PubMed before the pharmacological actions, mechanisms, structural modifications and targeted drug delivery systems of RBV were summarized. Results The pharmacological effects of RBV were mostly antiviral and antitumor. Most of the structural modifications of RBV involved glycosyl modifications and base modifications. The research and development of nanosized formulations among the targeted formulations of RBV were intensified. The drug delivery systems of RBV based on nanoparticles could significantly reduce the dosage administered and enhance the drug’s targetability. The vesicles and liposomes of RBV exhibited distinct targeting properties and effectively reduced the incidence of adverse reactions. In addition, RBV could be innovatively conjugated with hemoglobin and bile acids. The conjugates not only possessed targeting properties, but also could reduce toxicity or side effects. Besides the conjugation strategy, RBV could also combine with polyanionic macromolecules to form complexes with more pronounced antiviral effects. Conclusion Thanks to precise targeted delivery, RBV can act more effectively on lesion sites, reduce the drug dosage, and thereby lower the incidence of adverse reactions. Innovative drug delivery systems and combination strategies that enhance therapeutic efficacy while reducing adverse effects promise wide applications of RBV.

Key words: Ribavirin, Pharmacological Mechanism, Structural Modification, Targeted Formulation, Research Progress

CLC Number:

XIE Rui, GENG Zihan, BAO Lei, ZHAO Ronghua, LI Shuran, SUN Qiyue, WANG Xinwei, ZHANG Jingsheng, CUI Xiaolan, GUO Shanshan, SUN Jing. Research Progress in Pharmacological Actions, Mechanisms, Structural Modifications and Targeted Formulations of Ribavirin[J]. Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance, 2025, 22(8): 950-955.

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URL: https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/10.19803/j.1672-8629.20250199

https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/Y2025/V22/I8/950

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