Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the development of antidiabetic drugs such as DPP-4 inhibitors. Its structural configuration enables high selectivity and potency in drug formulations. The presence of both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups allows for peptide coupling and derivatization, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for building complex bioactive molecules. Also employed in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors due to its ability to mimic natural amino acid substrates.