Acelarin is primarily investigated for its potential use in cancer treatment, particularly in chemotherapy. It functions as a prodrug of gemcitabine, which means it is metabolized in the body to release the active drug. This approach aims to enhance the delivery of gemcitabine to cancer cells while minimizing its impact on healthy tissues, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. Acelarin has shown promise in targeting hard-to-treat cancers, such as ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer, where traditional treatments often face limitations. Its development represents an effort to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes in oncology.