WAY-296817 is primarily used in neuroscience research as a potent and selective agonist for the ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHS-R1a). Its main application lies in studying appetite regulation, energy homeostasis, and metabolic functions. Researchers use it to investigate the role of the ghrelin signaling pathway in food intake, body weight control, and glucose metabolism. It has also been explored in preclinical models for its potential effects on cognitive function and mood-related behaviors. Due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, it is valuable in central nervous system studies related to feeding behavior and neuroendocrine regulation. WAY-296817 is not used clinically and remains a tool compound for in vitro and in vivo research.