PAC-1 is primarily used in research focused on cancer therapy. It functions as an activator of procaspase-3, a protein that plays a critical role in apoptosis, or programmed cell death. By activating procaspase-3, PAC-1 induces apoptosis in cancer cells, making it a potential candidate for developing anticancer drugs. Its ability to selectively target cancer cells while sparing normal cells is of particular interest in preclinical studies. Researchers are exploring its efficacy in various cancer types, including breast, lung, and melanoma. Additionally, PAC-1 is being investigated for its potential to enhance the effectiveness of existing chemotherapy treatments by sensitizing cancer cells to apoptosis.