DPI-3290 is primarily used in scientific research for its potent analgesic properties. It acts as a highly selective agonist for the delta opioid receptor, making it a valuable tool in studies related to pain modulation and opioid receptor function. Due to its high potency and selectivity, it is employed in neuropharmacological research to explore alternative pathways for pain relief that may carry fewer side effects compared to mu opioid receptor agonists like morphine. It is not used clinically but serves as a reference compound in developing new pain medications and understanding the mechanisms of opioid signaling in the central nervous system.