Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of other rifamycin antibiotics, such as rifampicin, rifabutin, and rifapentine. It serves as a key building block in pharmaceutical manufacturing due to its potent antibacterial activity, especially against mycobacteria. Rifamycin S is modified chemically to improve solubility, stability, and pharmacokinetic properties in final drug products. It plays a critical role in the development of treatments for tuberculosis and other bacterial infections. Additionally, it has been studied for use in antimicrobial coatings on medical devices to prevent infection.