Used in pharmaceutical research as a potent and selective agonist for the ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor). It is primarily investigated for its ability to stimulate appetite and promote weight gain in conditions associated with cachexia, such as cancer, chronic illness, and age-related muscle wasting. Due to its structural stability and bioavailability, it serves as a lead compound in developing treatments for metabolic disorders and muscle atrophy. Also utilized in preclinical studies to explore the role of ghrelin signaling in energy homeostasis, cognition, and gastrointestinal motility.