Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine. Its chiral amine structure enables selective biological activity, making it valuable in developing drugs for treating depression, anxiety, and neuropathic pain. The pyridine ring enhances binding affinity to target receptors, while the ester group allows for further chemical modifications during drug development. Commonly employed in asymmetric synthesis routes due to its enantiomeric purity, ensuring high efficacy and reduced side effects in final drug products.