Germany OKs ICN Drug Virazole

COSTA MESA — ICN Pharmaceuticals Inc. and its subsidiary, SPI Pharmaceuticals Inc., announced Wednesday that the German Health Ministry has authorized the use of its antiviral drug, Virazole, in aerosol form to treat infants suffering from severe respiratory infections.

According to the health care company, about 30,000 infants are hospitalized annually with severe respiratory infections in Germany.

Virazole, also known as Ribavirin, is now authorized in 21 countries, including the United States. The patent to Virazole is held by ICN's research and development arm, Viratek Inc.