Atuveciclib (BAY-1143572) is a selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), a key regulator of transcription. Its primary application lies in oncology, particularly in the treatment of hematologic malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and certain lymphomas. By inhibiting CDK9, Atuveciclib disrupts the transcription of genes involved in cell survival, especially those with short-lived mRNA transcripts like MCL-1, an anti-apoptotic protein often overexpressed in cancer cells. This leads to rapid depletion of MCL-1 and triggers cancer cell apoptosis. The compound has been investigated in clinical trials for patients with relapsed or refractory cancers, showing potential in reducing tumor burden where other therapies have failed. Due to its targeted mechanism, Atuveciclib offers a strategy to selectively impair cancer cell viability while sparing normal cells to a greater extent than conventional chemotherapy. Research also explores its use in combination with other anticancer agents to enhance therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance.