Used as a key chiral intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of protease inhibitors such as those used in antiviral therapies. Its stereochemistry allows for selective reactions in multi-step organic syntheses, making it valuable in developing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with high enantiomeric purity. Commonly employed in the preparation of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment drugs due to its ability to mimic peptide structures and inhibit specific enzyme activity. Also utilized in research settings for asymmetric synthesis and development of novel bioactive molecules.