Lificiguat (YC-1) is primarily used in research settings to study its effects on soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), an enzyme involved in the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure. It acts as a stimulator of sGC, enhancing the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which plays a critical role in smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. This property makes it valuable in investigating potential therapeutic applications for cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and heart failure. Additionally, its ability to inhibit hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) has sparked interest in cancer research, as it may help in understanding tumor growth and angiogenesis under low oxygen conditions. Lificiguat (YC-1) is also explored for its potential neuroprotective effects in conditions like stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Its multifaceted mechanisms make it a versatile tool in biomedical research.