This chemical is primarily used in the development of antiviral medications, particularly for treating viral infections such as hepatitis B and certain types of herpes viruses. It acts as a nucleoside analog, which means it mimics the building blocks of viral DNA, disrupting the replication process of the virus. Additionally, it is being researched for its potential application in cancer therapy, where it may inhibit the growth of cancer cells by interfering with their DNA synthesis. Its incorporation into oligonucleotides also makes it valuable in molecular biology for studying gene function and developing gene-based therapies.