Phosphonoformate is primarily used in medical and biochemical research due to its inhibitory effects on viral replication. It is particularly effective against DNA polymerases and reverse transcriptases, making it valuable in the study of viruses such as HIV and herpes simplex. In clinical settings, it has been explored as an antiviral agent to combat infections caused by these viruses. Additionally, it serves as a tool in molecular biology to study enzyme mechanisms and nucleotide interactions. Its ability to block viral enzymes without significantly affecting host cell functions makes it a promising candidate for antiviral therapies.