Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of protease inhibitors, particularly in the development of antiviral drugs such as those targeting hepatitis C virus (HCV). Its stereochemistry and functional groups allow for selective peptide bond formation, making it valuable in constructing complex peptide-based pharmaceuticals. Commonly employed in solid-phase and solution-phase peptide synthesis due to its protected functional groups, which enable controlled deprotection and coupling steps. Also utilized in medicinal chemistry for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of enzyme inhibitors.