ZLDI-8 is primarily used in research focused on cancer treatment, particularly in the study of tumor growth and metastasis. It functions as an inhibitor of ADAM9, a protein involved in cancer cell migration and invasion. By blocking ADAM9 activity, ZLDI-8 helps reduce the spread of cancer cells, making it a potential candidate for developing anti-metastatic therapies. Its application is significant in preclinical studies aimed at understanding and targeting mechanisms that drive cancer progression.