Biotin-VAD-FMK is widely used in biochemical research as a potent and irreversible caspase inhibitor. It is particularly valuable in apoptosis studies, where it helps to identify and characterize caspase activity in cells. The biotin tag allows for easy detection and purification of caspase-bound complexes using streptavidin-based techniques, such as Western blotting or affinity chromatography. This compound is also employed in cell-based assays to investigate the role of caspases in programmed cell death pathways, providing insights into disease mechanisms, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, it serves as a tool to validate the specificity of caspase inhibitors and to study the involvement of caspases in various cellular processes.