Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical agents, particularly kinase inhibitors. It plays a role in developing drugs for cancer treatment due to its ability to mimic purine bases, allowing it to bind effectively to enzyme active sites. Commonly found in research targeting tyrosine kinases and cyclin-dependent kinases, it contributes to the modulation of cell signaling pathways involved in tumor growth and proliferation. Also utilized in the development of anti-inflammatory and antiviral compounds. Its scaffold is valued in medicinal chemistry for enabling structural modifications that enhance selectivity and potency in drug candidates.