Used in research and development, particularly in metabolic studies and drug testing, where it serves as a stable isotope-labeled compound. It helps in tracing and analyzing biochemical pathways, providing insights into amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis. Also employed in NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for accurate detection and quantification in complex biological samples. Its deuterium labeling ensures minimal interference with natural biological processes, making it a valuable tool in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies.