Use for Viratek’s Antiviral Drug Approved: Viratek...

Use for Viratek’s Antiviral Drug Approved: Viratek Inc., a subsidiary of Costa Mesa-based ICN Pharmaceuticals Inc., said Tuesday that health authorities in Switzerland have approved the use of its antiviral drug ribavirin for treating infant lung disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus. Eighteen other countries, including the United States, have authorized the drug’s sale for that purpose. Viratek also said the People’s Republic of China has become the first country to approve the use of ribavirin for treating hemorrhagic fever.