Used primarily in pharmaceutical research as a rigid amino acid analog, this compound serves as a valuable scaffold in drug design due to its unique cubane core. The high strain and symmetry of the cubane structure impart exceptional stability and distinct spatial orientation to functional groups, making it ideal for probing receptor binding sites or enhancing metabolic stability in bioactive molecules. It has been investigated in the development of neuroactive compounds, where its structure mimics natural amino acids while resisting enzymatic degradation. Additionally, its polar functionality allows for incorporation into peptides or peptidomimetics, enabling the study of conformational effects on biological activity. Its hydrochloride salt form improves solubility and handling in aqueous-based systems, facilitating use in biological assays.