Necrostatin 2 is primarily used in research settings to study cell death mechanisms, particularly necroptosis. It acts as an inhibitor of RIPK1, a key kinase involved in this pathway, making it valuable for understanding the role of necroptosis in various diseases. Researchers utilize it to explore its potential in conditions like neurodegenerative disorders, ischemic injuries, and inflammatory diseases. By blocking necroptosis, it helps in identifying therapeutic targets and developing treatments aimed at preventing cell death in pathological conditions. Additionally, it is employed in experimental models to dissect the signaling pathways associated with programmed necrosis, providing insights into cellular stress responses.