SU5416 is primarily used in biomedical research as a potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase. It is widely applied in studies related to angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, which plays a critical role in tumor growth and metastasis. By blocking VEGFR signaling, SU5416 helps suppress the development of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors, making it a valuable tool in cancer research, particularly in evaluating anti-angiogenic therapies. It has been used in preclinical models to investigate the effects of angiogenesis inhibition in various cancers, including glioblastoma and melanoma. Additionally, SU5416 has served as a lead compound for the development of other kinase inhibitors due to its ability to selectively target signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival. Its application extends to studies on ischemic diseases and ocular disorders where abnormal blood vessel formation is a key factor.