Definition

An orally available synthetic nucleoside analog derived from tetrahydrouridine (THU) and cytidine deaminase inhibitor (CDAi), that can potentially be used to prevent the breakdown of cytidines. Upon oral administration, cedazuridine binds to and inhibits CDA, an enzyme primarily found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver that catalyzes the deamination of cytidine and cytidine analogs. Given in combination with a cytidine, such as the antineoplastic hypomethylating agent decitabine, it specifically prevents its breakdown and increases its bioavailability and efficacy. In addition, this allows for lower doses of decitabine to be administered, which results in decreased decitabine-associated GI toxicity.