Primarily utilized in antiviral research, this compound is a nucleoside analog that has been studied for its potential to inhibit viral replication, particularly in DNA viruses. It has shown promise in targeting viruses like herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus by incorporating itself into viral DNA, leading to chain termination and preventing further viral synthesis. Additionally, it has been explored in cancer research due to its ability to interfere with DNA replication in rapidly dividing cells, making it a candidate for anticancer therapies. Its iodine component also allows it to be used in radiolabeling studies for tracking and imaging purposes in biological systems.