Used in research as a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor, this compound shows promise in anticancer drug development due to its ability to interfere with DNA replication in tumor cells. Its structure allows for strong interaction with the topoisomerase I-DNA complex, stabilizing it and leading to DNA strand breaks, ultimately triggering apoptosis in cancer cells. It is particularly studied for activity against solid tumors, including colon and lung cancers. Due to its complex polycyclic framework, it serves as a model compound in studies exploring structure-activity relationships in indolizinoquinoline derivatives. The methanesulfonate salt form improves solubility and stability, making it suitable for in vitro and in vivo pharmacological testing.