Used as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of peptide-based pharmaceuticals, particularly in the preparation of protease inhibitors. Its protected functional groups allow selective deprotection and coupling in solid-phase or solution-phase peptide synthesis. The stereochemistry at the alpha carbon ensures high enantioselectivity in final active compounds, making it valuable in drug development for diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. Commonly employed in research settings for constructing complex bioactive molecules where precise stereocontrol is required.