BL-1249 is primarily utilized in research settings to study its effects on potassium channels, particularly the K2P family. It is known to activate TREK-1 channels, which play a role in regulating cellular excitability and maintaining membrane potential. This property makes it a valuable tool for investigating the physiological and pathological roles of these channels in various tissues, including the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Additionally, BL-1249 has been explored for its potential therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of pain, depression, and cardiac arrhythmias, due to its ability to modulate channel activity. Its use in preclinical studies helps to deepen the understanding of ion channel function and its implications in disease mechanisms.