ABT-072 is primarily used in the field of antiviral research, particularly in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. It functions as a non-nucleoside inhibitor of the HCV NS5B polymerase, which is essential for viral replication. By targeting this enzyme, ABT-072 effectively suppresses the replication of the virus, reducing the viral load in infected patients. This makes it a valuable component in combination therapies aimed at achieving sustained virological response (SVR) in HCV patients. Its application is significant in developing treatment regimens that are more effective and have fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies.