Used in pharmacological research for its interaction with opioid receptors, particularly as a kappa-opioid receptor antagonist. This property makes it valuable in studying pain modulation, addiction mechanisms, and mood disorders. It has also shown potential in reversing certain effects of opioid drugs without affecting mu-opioid receptor activity, which may support development of treatments for opioid dependence. Additionally, it is investigated for its possible neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models.