GW 6471 is primarily used in scientific research as a selective antagonist of the PPARα (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha). It is employed to study metabolic pathways related to lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and inflammation. Researchers use GW 6471 to block PPARα activity in cellular and animal models, helping to elucidate the receptor’s role in fatty acid oxidation, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular health. Due to its high specificity, it is a valuable tool in pharmacological studies aiming to develop treatments for metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is not used in clinical medicine and remains restricted to laboratory and experimental settings.