Used in biochemical research to study enzyme activity, particularly in the mevalonate pathway, which is crucial for cholesterol synthesis and isoprenoid production. It serves as a substrate for HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme targeted by statin drugs to lower cholesterol levels. This compound is also employed in metabolic studies to understand lipid metabolism and its regulation. Additionally, it aids in the development of assays to screen potential inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, contributing to drug discovery for cardiovascular diseases.