Used as a chiral building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors and other biologically active molecules. Its stereochemistry makes it valuable for constructing complex drug structures with high enantioselectivity. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for peptidomimetic design, where it helps improve metabolic stability and binding affinity. Also utilized in the preparation of enzyme inhibitors targeting diseases such as hepatitis C and HIV. The presence of functional groups allows for further derivatization, making it a versatile intermediate in asymmetric synthesis and drug discovery.