PLX-4720 is a small molecule drug that primarily targets the BRAF protein, which is often mutated in certain types of cancer, particularly melanoma. By inhibiting this protein, PLX-4720 aims to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells that rely on the mutated BRAF for survival and proliferation. This compound has been studied in clinical trials to evaluate its effectiveness and safety in treating patients with BRAF-mutant tumors. Its development is part of a broader effort to create targeted therapies that can improve outcomes for individuals with specific genetic alterations in their cancer.