Used in pharmaceutical research as a key intermediate in the synthesis of protease inhibitors, particularly in the development of antiviral agents. Shows potential in the design of enzyme-targeted therapies due to its structural similarity to peptide substrates, allowing it to act as a transition-state mimic. Commonly employed in studies related to drug metabolism and bioavailability, especially in optimizing oral absorption and enzymatic stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Its chiral centers enable selective interactions with biological targets, making it valuable in asymmetric synthesis and medicinal chemistry workflows.