GNE-617 is primarily utilized in the field of cancer research, particularly in the study of metabolic pathways in tumor cells. It functions as a potent and selective inhibitor of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), an enzyme crucial for the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). By inhibiting NAMPT, GNE-617 disrupts NAD+ production, leading to energy depletion and ultimately inducing cell death in cancer cells. This makes it a valuable tool for investigating the role of NAD+ metabolism in cancer progression and for exploring potential therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in tumors. Additionally, GNE-617 is used in preclinical studies to evaluate the efficacy of NAMPT inhibition in various cancer models, helping to identify potential biomarkers and optimize treatment regimens.