JNJ-26854165 is primarily investigated for its potential in cancer therapy. It functions as an inhibitor of p53-HDM2 interaction, which is crucial in regulating tumor suppression. By disrupting this interaction, it promotes the activation of p53, a protein that plays a significant role in preventing cancer cell proliferation. This mechanism makes it a promising candidate for treating various cancers, particularly those with wild-type p53. Research is ongoing to explore its efficacy in combination with other anticancer agents, aiming to enhance therapeutic outcomes and overcome drug resistance. Its application is focused on developing targeted treatments for malignancies where p53 pathways are intact but suppressed.