(S)-3-Amino-2-methylpropanoic acid is primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs. Its chiral structure makes it valuable in the production of enantiomerically pure compounds, which are essential for developing medications with specific biological activities. It is often employed in the creation of beta-lactam antibiotics, where its stereochemistry plays a critical role in enhancing the efficacy and reducing side effects of the final product. Additionally, this compound is used in peptide synthesis, contributing to the development of therapeutic peptides and peptidomimetics. Its application extends to research settings, where it serves as a building block for studying enzyme mechanisms and designing enzyme inhibitors.