Used in the synthesis of anticancer agents, particularly as a key intermediate in the production of homoharringtonine and harringtonine, which are employed in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Its structural complexity makes it valuable in developing derivatives with improved pharmacological activity. Also studied for its potential in inhibiting protein synthesis in cancer cells, contributing to apoptosis. Research explores its role in drug development for hematologic malignancies due to its ability to interfere with ribosomal function.