BIX 02188 is a selective inhibitor of the MEK5 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5) pathway, making it a valuable tool in studying the ERK5 signaling cascade. It is primarily used in research settings to investigate cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and survival, particularly in cancer-related studies. BIX 02188 has shown potential in suppressing tumor growth and angiogenesis in preclinical models by blocking MEK5-dependent signaling. It is also employed to explore the role of ERK5 in inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular function, and neurological disorders, including autism, psychiatric conditions, and neurodegeneration. Due to its specificity, BIX 02188 helps researchers dissect the contributions of the MEK5/ERK5 axis from other MAPK pathways, supporting the development of targeted therapies.