OSU-03012 (AR-12) is primarily investigated for its potential in cancer therapy due to its ability to inhibit key signaling pathways involved in tumor growth and survival. It works by targeting phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1), which plays a critical role in the PI3K/AKT pathway, often dysregulated in cancer cells. By disrupting this pathway, OSU-03012 can induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation in various cancer types, including breast, prostate, and glioblastoma.

Additionally, OSU-03012 has shown promise in enhancing the efficacy of other anticancer agents, making it a potential candidate for combination therapies. It also exhibits antiviral properties, particularly against viruses like dengue and Ebola, by modulating host cell pathways essential for viral replication. Research is ongoing to explore its broader applications in infectious diseases and immune modulation.