WAY-225588 is primarily used in neuroscience research as a selective agonist for the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). It is employed to study appetite regulation, energy homeostasis, and metabolic functions. Due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, it is valuable in investigating central nervous system pathways related to feeding behavior and obesity. It has also been explored for its potential neuroprotective effects and influence on cognitive functions such as memory and learning. Its high selectivity makes it a useful pharmacological tool for distinguishing ghrelin-mediated effects from other signaling pathways in experimental models.