An antiviral antibiotic produced by Cephalosporium aphidicola and other fungi. It inhibits the growth of eukaryotic cells and certain animal viruses by selectively inhibiting the cellular replication of DNA polymerase II or the viral-induced DNA polymerases. The drug may be useful for controlling excessive cell proliferation in patients with cancer, psoriasis or other dermatitis with little or no adverse effect upon non-multiplying cells.

Terpenoid compound from the fungus Cephalosporium amphidicola which inhibits eukaryotic, alpha-type DNA polymerases; used in tissue culture to synchronize cell division; derivatives are potential antineoplastic and antiAIDS agents.