AZD5582 is primarily used in research settings to study the activation of apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death, in cancer cells. It functions as an activator of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway by targeting inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). This makes it a valuable tool in understanding how to induce cell death in cancer cells that are resistant to conventional treatments. Researchers are exploring its potential in combination therapies to enhance the effectiveness of other anticancer drugs. Additionally, it is being studied for its role in targeting latent HIV reservoirs, offering a potential strategy for eradicating the virus in infected individuals. Its applications are still largely experimental, focusing on advancing knowledge in oncology and virology.