6-Azauridine is primarily used in medical research and treatment due to its ability to inhibit the synthesis of nucleic acids. It is often employed as an antiviral agent, particularly in studies targeting RNA viruses, as it interferes with viral replication. Additionally, it has been investigated for its potential in cancer therapy, where it acts as an antimetabolite to disrupt the growth of cancer cells. In experimental settings, it is also utilized to study cellular processes related to RNA metabolism and to explore mechanisms of drug resistance. Its application extends to biochemical research, where it serves as a tool to understand the regulation of nucleotide biosynthesis pathways.