Varlitinib is primarily used in cancer research and development, particularly as an investigational tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It targets key signaling pathways involved in tumor growth and progression, especially those associated with receptor tyrosine kinases such as EGFR and HER2. Due to its ability to inhibit these kinases, varlitinib has shown potential in preclinical studies for treating solid tumors, including breast, lung, and gastric cancers. It is often utilized in laboratory settings to evaluate the effectiveness of kinase inhibition on cancer cell proliferation and survival. While not approved for clinical use, it serves as a valuable tool compound in oncology drug discovery and mechanistic studies.