Used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly as an intermediate in the production of drugs targeting the central nervous system. It serves as a building block for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs, which are important in treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy and neuropathic pain. Also utilized in the development of novel receptor ligands due to its structural compatibility with bioactive molecules. Its bifunctional nature—bearing both amine and carboxylic acid groups—makes it valuable in medicinal chemistry for creating amide bonds and other conjugates in drug design.