ARQ 621 is primarily investigated for its potential in cancer therapy. It functions as a selective inhibitor of the enzyme tankyrase, which plays a role in the Wnt signaling pathway. By inhibiting tankyrase, ARQ 621 aims to disrupt this pathway, which is often implicated in the growth and survival of certain cancer cells. This makes it a promising candidate for targeting cancers where Wnt signaling is dysregulated, such as colorectal cancer and other malignancies. Research is ongoing to evaluate its efficacy and safety in preclinical and clinical settings.