TOFA is primarily used in research settings to study metabolic pathways, particularly fatty acid synthesis. It acts as an inhibitor of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), a key enzyme involved in the production of fatty acids. By blocking this enzyme, TOFA helps scientists investigate the role of lipid metabolism in processes such as energy homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and cell proliferation. It has been explored for its potential therapeutic applications in metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and obesity, due to its ability to reduce lipogenesis and improve glucose uptake. Additionally, TOFA is used in cancer research because some tumor cells rely heavily on fatty acid synthesis for growth; inhibiting this pathway can suppress tumor progression in certain models. Due to its mechanism, TOFA is also employed in studies related to inflammation and cardiovascular diseases, where altered lipid metabolism plays a critical role. However, it remains a research tool and is not currently used as a clinical drug.