Used in research as a potent inhibitor of farnesyltransferase, an enzyme involved in the post-translational modification of proteins such as Ras. By blocking farnesyltransferase, it prevents the activation of oncogenic Ras proteins, which are implicated in various cancers. Investigated for its antitumor activity in preclinical studies, particularly in cancers with Ras mutations, including pancreatic, lung, and colon cancers. Also used as a tool compound to study signaling pathways related to cell growth and apoptosis.