GW5074 is primarily utilized in research settings as a potent and selective inhibitor of c-Raf kinase, a key enzyme in the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. This pathway is critical for cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, making GW5074 a valuable tool for studying cellular processes and signaling mechanisms. Researchers often employ it to investigate the role of c-Raf in various diseases, including cancer, as its inhibition can help elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving tumor growth and progression. Additionally, GW5074 is used in studies exploring neurodegenerative diseases, as the MAPK/ERK pathway is implicated in neuronal survival and function. Its ability to selectively target c-Raf without significantly affecting other kinases makes it a precise tool for dissecting specific signaling pathways in experimental models.