WZB117 is primarily used in biochemical and medical research as a selective inhibitor of glucose uptake in cancer cells. It targets the GLUT1 glucose transporter, which is often overexpressed in various tumor types, making it a valuable tool for studying cancer metabolism. By blocking glucose entry into cells, WZB117 helps researchers investigate the effects of metabolic disruption on tumor growth and survival. It has shown potential in preclinical studies to suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines, particularly in cancers reliant on glycolysis for energy production. Due to its role in modulating cellular energy pathways, WZB117 is also used to explore the link between metabolism and signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT and HIF-1α. Its application remains largely confined to laboratory research, where it serves as a probe for understanding metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer and developing new therapeutic strategies.