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tegafur-uracil

Yokohama City University · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

tegafur-uracil is a Antimetabolite; 5-fluorouracil prodrug Small molecule drug developed by Yokohama City University. It is currently FDA-approved for Colorectal cancer, Gastric cancer, Breast cancer. Also known as: UFUR, ufur, UFT.

Tegafur-uracil is a combination prodrug that is converted to fluorouracil in the body to inhibit thymidylate synthase and disrupt DNA synthesis in cancer cells.

Tegafur-uracil is a chemotherapy drug combination used to treat various types of cancer, including gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach neoplasm, and hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach. It is a small molecule modality that works as part of a treatment regimen, often in combination with other medications.

At a glance

Generic nametegafur-uracil
Also known asUFUR, ufur, UFT
SponsorYokohama City University
Drug classAntimetabolite; 5-fluorouracil prodrug
TargetThymidylate synthase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Tegafur is a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) that undergoes hepatic metabolism to release active 5-FU. Uracil is a competitive inhibitor of dihydrouracil dehydrogenase, which normally degrades 5-FU, thereby prolonging 5-FU exposure and enhancing its cytotoxic effects. The combination allows for oral administration with improved bioavailability compared to intravenous 5-FU.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about tegafur-uracil

What is tegafur-uracil?

tegafur-uracil is a Antimetabolite; 5-fluorouracil prodrug drug developed by Yokohama City University, indicated for Colorectal cancer, Gastric cancer, Breast cancer.

How does tegafur-uracil work?

Tegafur-uracil is a combination prodrug that is converted to fluorouracil in the body to inhibit thymidylate synthase and disrupt DNA synthesis in cancer cells.

What is tegafur-uracil used for?

tegafur-uracil is indicated for Colorectal cancer, Gastric cancer, Breast cancer.

Who makes tegafur-uracil?

tegafur-uracil is developed and marketed by Yokohama City University (see full Yokohama City University pipeline at /company/yokohama-city-university).

Is tegafur-uracil also known as anything else?

tegafur-uracil is also known as UFUR, ufur, UFT.

What drug class is tegafur-uracil in?

tegafur-uracil belongs to the Antimetabolite; 5-fluorouracil prodrug class. See all Antimetabolite; 5-fluorouracil prodrug drugs at /class/antimetabolite-5-fluorouracil-prodrug.

What development phase is tegafur-uracil in?

tegafur-uracil is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of tegafur-uracil?

Common side effects of tegafur-uracil include Bone marrow suppression (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), Gastrointestinal toxicity (nausea, diarrhea, stomatitis), Hand-foot syndrome, Anemia.

What does tegafur-uracil target?

tegafur-uracil targets Thymidylate synthase and is a Antimetabolite; 5-fluorouracil prodrug.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing