ISO-1 is primarily used in research settings as a selective inhibitor of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in immune regulation. Its main application lies in studying inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, and atherosclerosis, where MIF plays a key role in disease progression. By inhibiting MIF's tautomerase activity, ISO-1 helps reduce inflammation and immune cell activation in cellular and animal models. It is also investigated for its potential in cancer research, as MIF is implicated in tumor growth and angiogenesis. ISO-1 serves as a valuable tool compound for validating MIF as a therapeutic target and for developing more potent MIF inhibitors.