Used in the synthesis of bioactive molecules, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors. Its chiral structure and functional groups make it valuable as an intermediate in pharmaceutical research, especially for drugs targeting enzymes involved in protein degradation. Commonly applied in the design of inhibitors for enzymes like cathepsins or calpains, which are linked to inflammatory diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Also utilized in peptide mimetics to enhance metabolic stability and binding selectivity.