O-tert-Butyl-L-threonine is primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry as a building block for the synthesis of various bioactive compounds and peptides. Its unique structure, featuring a tert-butyl group, enhances the stability and bioavailability of the resulting molecules, making it valuable in drug development. It is often employed in the creation of protease inhibitors, which are crucial in treating diseases like HIV and hepatitis. Additionally, it serves as a chiral intermediate in asymmetric synthesis, aiding in the production of enantiomerically pure drugs. Its application extends to research in medicinal chemistry, where it is utilized to study enzyme interactions and design novel therapeutic agents.