Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical peptides, particularly in the preparation of protease inhibitors and other biologically active molecules. Its protected functional groups allow for selective deprotection and coupling in solid-phase or solution-phase peptide synthesis. Commonly employed in the development of drugs targeting viral infections, such as hepatitis C and HIV, due to its ability to mimic natural amino acid structures while enhancing metabolic stability. Also utilized in research settings for the construction of peptidomimetics and enzyme inhibitors.