in doing a search i did see one preclinical trial (there may be more) looking at ribavirin combined with direct antiviral in replicon and there was additive (not synergistic) effect the possibility of combining direct antivirals and rib without interferon is there so i stand corrected. (note the outcome was no where near as robust as the synergy seen with interferon and rib or interferon and direct antivirals) i think this is key because rib seems so vital to controlling rebound, and i don't think direct antivirals in any combinations are going to change the need for this agent