Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of saxagliptin, a selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It supports the development of therapeutics that enhance insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels while reducing hepatic glucagon release, leading to improved glycemic control. This intermediate is valuable in pharmaceutical research for creating drugs with high specificity, minimal side effects, and low risk of hypoglycemia, often used in combination with metformin or other antidiabetic agents.