NS-398 is widely used in scientific research for its selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme involved in inflammation and pain. It helps in studying the role of COX-2 in various cellular processes, particularly in models of inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Due to its specificity, NS-398 allows researchers to differentiate the effects of COX-2 from COX-1, providing insights into the development of safer anti-inflammatory drugs. It has also been employed in cancer research to explore the link between chronic inflammation and tumor progression, especially in colon and breast cancer models. Its application extends to investigating apoptosis, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis regulated by COX-2 activity.