MK-608 is primarily used in antiviral research, particularly as an inhibitor of hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. It functions by targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme, which is essential for viral replication, making it a valuable tool in the development of direct-acting antiviral agents. Due to its potent inhibitory activity, MK-608 serves as a lead compound in studying structure-activity relationships for new HCV therapeutics. It is also employed in preclinical studies to evaluate pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and resistance profiles of antiviral drug candidates. Its application extends to virology laboratories where it supports mechanistic studies of viral polymerase function and inhibition.