Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of protease inhibitors, particularly in antiviral drug development. Its rigid adamantane structure enhances binding affinity to enzyme active sites, making it valuable in designing inhibitors for viruses like HIV and hepatitis C. Also employed in medicinal chemistry to improve metabolic stability and bioavailability of drug candidates. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the preparation of sulfonate-based prodrugs and in structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to optimize pharmaceutical potency.