UMI-77 is primarily used in biomedical research, particularly in the study of cancer. It functions as a selective inhibitor of Mcl-1, a protein that plays a critical role in preventing apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. By inhibiting Mcl-1, UMI-77 promotes the death of cancer cells, making it a valuable tool in understanding the mechanisms of cancer progression and resistance to treatment. Researchers utilize UMI-77 to explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting Mcl-1-dependent cancers, such as certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. Its application extends to preclinical studies aimed at developing novel anticancer drugs that can overcome resistance to conventional therapies.