Abstract: A cholesterol-cordycepin conjugate having the formula ##STR1## wherein: n is an integer from 1 to 8; R.sub.1 is selected from the group of consisting of T, T' and Y; T is ##STR2## T' is ##STR3## where x is an integer from 1 to 18; Y is ##STR4## where m is zero, 1, 2, or 3; each R.sub.2 is independently selected from the group consisting of oxygen and sulfur; each R.sub.3 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and hydroxyl; R.sub.4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl and T or T'; R.sub.5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl and T or T'; provided that all R.sub.1, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 may not be T or T'; at least one R.sub.3 is hydrogen or R.sub.4 is hydrogen; and at least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 must be T or T'; or a water soluble salt thereof. The compounds possess increased antiviral activity and/or metabolic stability.