ITD-1 is a small molecule inhibitor that selectively targets the TGFβ (transforming growth factor beta) signaling pathway, particularly by promoting the degradation of SMAD3, a key transcription factor in this pathway. It has been primarily investigated for its role in cardiac regeneration. By inhibiting TGFβ/SMAD3 signaling, ITD-1 helps reprogram fibroblasts into functional cardiomyocyte-like cells, offering potential for repairing heart tissue after injury such as myocardial infarction. In research settings, ITD-1 has demonstrated the ability to enhance cardiac differentiation in stem cells and improve heart function in animal models by reducing fibrosis and promoting the formation of new muscle cells. Its application is mainly focused on regenerative medicine, especially in developing therapies for heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases where tissue repair is critical. Due to its reprogramming capabilities, ITD-1 is also used as a tool compound in studies exploring cellular plasticity and transdifferentiation.