Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral and antidiabetic pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors. Its chiral structure and functional groups make it valuable for constructing complex molecules with high stereoselectivity. Commonly employed in peptide-based drug design due to its ability to mimic natural amino acid motifs while enhancing metabolic stability. Also utilized in research for developing enzyme inhibitors where hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups participate in active site binding.