Random sequence oligonucleotides that have antiviral activity are
described, along with their use as antiviral agents. In many cases, the
oligonucleotides are greater than 40 nucleotides in length. Also
described are methods for the prophylaxis or treatment of a viral
infection in a human or animal, and a method for the prophylaxis
treatment of cancer caused by oncoviruses in a human or animal. The
methods typically involve administering to a human or animal in need of
such treatment, a pharmacologically acceptable, therapeutically effective
amount of at least oligonucleotide that does not act by a sequence
complementary mode of action.