This compound is primarily utilized in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which are targeted cancer therapies. It serves as a linker molecule, connecting the cytotoxic drug to the antibody. The valine-citrulline dipeptide sequence is cleavable by cathepsin B, an enzyme overexpressed in tumor cells, ensuring the drug is released specifically at the tumor site. The maleimide group facilitates conjugation to the antibody via thiol groups, while the p-nitrophenyl carbonate moiety reacts with amine groups on the drug. This design enhances the stability of the conjugate in circulation while enabling controlled drug release in the tumor microenvironment, improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing off-target toxicity.