A23187 is a mobile ion-carrier that forms stable complexes with divalent cations (ions with a charge of +2).

It also acts as a divalent cation ionophore, allowing these ions to cross cell membranes, which are usually impermeable to them.

Inex used A23187 as a molecular tool in order to make artificial liposomes loaded with anti-cancer drugs such as Topotecan.

[4] In IVF field, Ca Ionophore can be used in case of low fertilization rate after ICSI procedure, particularly with Globozoospermia (Round Head sperm syndrome), Ca Ionophore will replace absence of sperm acrosome, and plays role in oocyte activation after ICSI.

[5] The core biosynthetic enzymes are thought to include 3 proteins for the biosynthesis of the α-ketopyrrole moiety, 5 for modular type I polyketide synthases for the spiroketal ring, 4 for the biosynthesis of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, an N-methyltransferase tailoring enzyme, and a type II thioesterase.