Biological Activity of Cladribine:
Cladribine (Leustatin) is a drug used to treat hairy cell leukemia (leukemic reticuloendotheliosis) and multiple sclerosis. [1]As a purine analog, it is a synthetic anti-cancer agent that also suppresses the immune system. Chemically, it mimics the nucleoside adenosine and thus inhibits the enzyme adenosine deaminase, which interferes with the cell's ability to process DNA. [1]It is easily destroyed by normal cells except for blood cells, with the result that it produces relatively few side effects and results in very little non-target cell loss. [1]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References on Cladribine:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cladribine
[2] http://www.rxlist.com/leustatin-drug.htm