Used in the synthesis of antifolate compounds that inhibit enzymes involved in nucleotide biosynthesis, particularly targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases. It serves as a key intermediate in developing pharmaceuticals such as kinase inhibitors and antimetabolites. Its structure allows for selective binding to dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and related enzymes, making it valuable in drug discovery for oncology and inflammatory conditions. Also employed in research to design novel therapeutic agents with improved metabolic stability and target specificity.