A method for the prophylaxis or treatment of an inflammatory bowel disease is provided, comprising administering to a patient having or at risk of developing an inflammatory bowel disease a therapeutically or preventatively effective amount of one or more ribofuranose derivatives having the Formula (I): ##STR1##

wherein R is a group selected from a carboxamide, an amidine, and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, and the configuration at the C₂ carbon of the ribofuranose moiety is D or L. The one or more ribofuranose derivatives (I) may be used in combination with further active agents such as antivirals or agents effective against inflammatory bowel disease.