Modified ribavirin analogues as antiviral agents against Junín virus

Abstract In this work, several ribavirin analogues were synthesized and incorporated into a multivalent arrangement. Both were subsequently modified by the addition of polyhydroxylated residues. Their antiviral activity was tested against Junin virus, etiological agent responsible of Argentine hemorrhagic fever. Some compounds inhibited Junin virus in the range of 13.2–389.1 µM. Two modified ribavirin analogues presented an effective concentration comparable to ribavirin but with a higher selectivity index.