Used as a potent and selective inhibitor of caspase enzymes, particularly caspase-3 and caspase-7, involved in apoptosis (programmed cell death). Its primary application is in biochemical and medical research to study apoptotic pathways and to prevent unwanted cell death in experimental models. The fluoromethyl ketone group enables irreversible binding to the active site of caspases, making it effective at low concentrations. Commonly used in cell-based assays and in vitro studies to probe the role of caspases in diseases such as neurodegeneration, ischemia, and cancer. Also serves as a tool compound in developing therapeutic strategies targeting apoptotic dysregulation.