NBI-98782 is primarily investigated for its potential in neurological and psychiatric research. It is used as a selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, making it valuable in studying conditions like Huntington's disease, schizophrenia, and tardive dyskinesia. Its ability to modulate monoamine levels in the brain helps researchers understand neurotransmitter regulation and develop targeted therapies. Additionally, it is explored for its role in imaging studies, aiding in the visualization of VMAT2 distribution in the brain, which can provide insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy.