AMG-176 is primarily investigated for its potential in cancer therapy, particularly in targeting hematologic malignancies. It functions as a selective MCL-1 inhibitor, which is crucial in disrupting the survival mechanisms of cancer cells. By binding to MCL-1, it promotes apoptosis in cancer cells that rely on this protein to evade cell death. This makes it a promising candidate for treating cancers like multiple myeloma, acute myeloid leukemia, and certain lymphomas. Research is ongoing to explore its efficacy in combination with other therapies and its potential in overcoming drug resistance in various cancer types.