Acadesine derivatives as a drug, as well as the derivatives for the treatment of cancer and in particular for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia are described. Also, product containing the derivatives and at least one second active ingredient as a combination product for simultaneous, separate or sequential administration, in the treatment of cancer, as well as a pharmaceutical composition containing the derivatives and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are described. Finally, a method for inhibiting the in vitro cell proliferation including the placement of an in vitro cell in contact with the derivatives and methods for synthesis of said derivatives and methods for synthesis of the derivatives are described.