The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of viral infections comprising as an active principle at least one imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine prodrug having the general Formula (A) wherein the substituents are described in the specification. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation and screening ofcompounds according to the invention having above mentioned general Formula and their use in the treatment or prophylaxis of viral infections. ##STR00001##