In vitro
Clofarabine is a second generation purine nucleoside analog with antineoplastic activity. It is phosphorylated intracellularly, which inhibits the enzymatic activities of ribonucleotide reductase (IC50 = 65 nM) and DNA polymerase, resulting in inhibition of DNA repair and synthesis of DNA and RNA. This nucleoside analog also disrupts mitochondrial function and membrane integrity, resulting in the release of pre-apoptotic factors, including cytochrome C and apoptotic-inducing factor, which activate apoptosis. It is used for treating relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in children, after at least two other types of treatment have failed.