Ribavarin is an antiviral compound reported to be active against RSV, HIV, HCV and other infectious agents. Its metabolite, ribavirin 5'-phosphate, inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMP). It is also an analog of the imidazole nucleotide intermediates in purine nucleotide…

Isodesmosine is prepared according to the method of Starcher, et al. from hdrolyzed bovine neck ligament by solvent extraction and chromatography on Dowex 50.