cidofovir + cytarabine

Cidofovir + cytarabine is an investigational combination of two small molecule drugs, cidofovir and cytarabine. Cidofovir is a nucleotide analogue antiviral agent that selectively inhibits viral DNA polymerase, primarily used for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised patients. Cytarabine is a synthetic pyrimidine nucleoside antimetabolite that inhibits DNA polymerase, blocking DNA synthesis and cell division; it is widely used as chemotherapy for various leukemias. The combination has been explored in clinical settings such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and other severe viral or neoplastic diseases, but there are no approved indications for this specific drug pairing[1][2]. Both agents act by interfering with DNA synthesis—cidofovir targets viral replication while cytarabine targets rapidly dividing cells.