Used as a biochemical reagent in studies involving glutathione metabolism and gamma-glutamyl transferase enzyme activity. It serves as a stable analog of gamma-glutamyl compounds, making it valuable in enzymatic assays and metabolic pathway research. Its structural similarity to natural gamma-glutamyl amino acids allows it to participate in transpeptidation reactions, aiding in the investigation of glutathione-related cellular processes. Also employed in the development of diagnostic tools for liver and kidney function due to its role as a substrate for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase.