MRK-560 is primarily investigated for its potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It functions as a gamma-secretase modulator, targeting the amyloid precursor protein processing pathway. By selectively reducing the production of toxic amyloid-beta peptides, particularly Aβ42, MRK-560 aims to mitigate the pathological accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Its application is significant in preclinical research, where it is studied for its efficacy and safety profile in animal models. The compound holds promise as a disease-modifying agent, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer's rather than merely alleviating symptoms. Ongoing studies focus on optimizing its pharmacological properties and evaluating its potential for clinical use.