pyrazofurin

Pyrazofurin is a pyrimidine nucleoside analogue originally isolated from *Streptomyces candidus*. It functions as an antimetabolite by inhibiting key enzymes in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway, specifically orotidine 5'-monophosphate (OMP) decarboxylase (also known as UMP synthase) and orotate-phosphoribosyltransferase. This inhibition leads to a depletion of uridine nucleotides, subsequently blocking DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Pyrazofurin exhibits antitumor, antiviral, and antibiotic properties. While it was previously evaluated in human clinical trials for cancer, these efforts were largely unsuccessful due to severe side effects. However, recent research has identified pyrazofurin as a potential candidate for repurposing, particularly for the treatment of Hepatitis E virus infections.

Other names

pirazofurinpyrazomycin4-Hydroxy-5-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide