Abstract: A nuclease resistant hydrophilic complex of polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid, poly-l-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose, wherein the nucleotide homopolymers have sedimentation coefficients of 4S and each homopolymer has a molecular weight of about 25,000 or less. When administered in a pharmacologically acceptable aqueous carrier, such as a saline solution, the complex is effective in inducing the synthesis of antiviral levels of interferon in the host, while modulating the toxicity reactions normally associated with the administration of greater molecular weight complexes of polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid, particularly hypotension.

Abstract: A nuclease-resistant hydrophilic complex of polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid, poly-1-lysine, and carboxymethylcellulose, and injectable preparations thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous carrier such as saline solution. When administered to a human or non-human primate host, the complex is effective in inducing the synthesis in such host of antiviral levels of interferon.

Abstract: Interferon introduced parenterally in a human host or stimulated by an inducer (PICLC) for a period of greater than 21 days results in a major decrease in all markers of infectivity, such as DNA polymerase, and such markers remain at a depressed level during the period of treatment. Where PICLC is utilized to induce interferon in the host, a serum level of 50 units per milliliter or higher is necessary for effective clinical treatment and 17 .times. 10.sup.4 - 6.0 .times. 10.sup.3 U/kg/day is an effective dose for exogenous interferon. Especially long-term treatment with exogenous interferon of greater than 21 days and up to 14 months results in clinical improvement for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and this long-term treatment has resulted in sustained improvement even after cessation of treatment as well as resulting in a decrease in infectivity risk to others in close proximity to the infected human host. Such clinical improvement is marked by normalization of liver histology.

Abstract: A nuclease-resistant hydrophilic complex of polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid, poly-l-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose, and injectable preparations thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous carrier such as saline solution. When administered to a primate host, the complex is effective in inducing the synthesis in such host of antiviral levels of interferon.

Abstract: A nuclease-resistant hydrophilic complex of polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid, poly-1-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose, and injectable preparations thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous carrier such as saline solution. When administered to a non-human primate host, the complex is effective in inducing the synthesis in such host of antiviral levels of interferon.