DK129709C

1356263 Antiviral compositions containing modified double stranded RNA BEECHAM GROUP Ltd 11 Jan 1972 [14 Jan 1971] 1940/71 Heading A5B [Also in Division C3] A pharmaceutical composition useful generally in the prophylaxis of viral infections comprises a modified form of a natural ds. RNA having antiviral activity and a reduced acute toxicity relative to the normal form of ds. RNA from the same natural source which is obtained by (a) treating the natural form of ds. RNA with an alkali metal hydroxide at a pH between 11.0 and 12.5 in an aqueous electrolyte solution, under conditions of temperature, time and electrolyte concentration such that partial separation of the polynucleotide strands of each ds. RNA molecule commences immediately and no more than 25 phosphate di-ester linkages per strand are hydrolysed during the period of the reaction and then (b) neutralising the resultant solution. Detailed physical chemical and medicinal properties are given.