ARS-853 is primarily used in biochemical research to study the mechanisms of cancer, particularly focusing on mutant forms of the KRAS protein, which are often implicated in various cancers. It functions as a covalent inhibitor that specifically targets the G12C mutation in KRAS, a common mutation found in non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. By binding to this mutated protein, ARS-853 helps to block its activity, thereby inhibiting the signaling pathways that promote cancer cell growth and survival. This makes it a valuable tool for understanding the role of KRAS mutations in tumorigenesis and for the development of targeted cancer therapies. Researchers utilize ARS-853 in laboratory settings to explore potential therapeutic strategies and to assess the efficacy of KRAS inhibition in preclinical models.