SA9 inhibits Hh pathway by interacting directly with Smo. It inhibits SAG (Smoothened agonist) activation of Hh signaling in Shh-LIGHT 2 cells (IC₅₀ = 19 µM). Induces the localization of Smo to cilia in ASZ1 cells, but not in IMCD3 cells. Also treatment of Ptch1-/- MEFs with SA9 suppresses the β-galactosidase activity (IC₅₀ = 1.0 µM) and inhibits the expression of Gli1 and Ptch1 in ASZ1 cells.