A pharmaceutical formulation and its use. The pharmaceutical formulation contains peroxidic species or reaction products resulting from oxidation of an alkene, such as geraniol, by an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent, such as ozone; a penetrating solvent, such as dimethylsulfoxide ("DMSO"); a dye containing a chelated metal, such as hematoporphyrin; and an aromatic redox compound, such as benzoquinone. The pharmaceutical formulation is used to effectively treat patients affected with viruses such as Hepatitis C and HIV-1.