Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antidiabetic agents. It serves as an intermediate in the production of DPP-4 inhibitors, which are used to manage type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin release and reducing glucagon levels. Its stereochemistry is critical for biological activity, making it valuable in asymmetric synthesis. Also employed in the preparation of peptidomimetics and enzyme inhibitors due to its structural similarity to natural amino acids.