Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors. It serves as a building block in medicinal chemistry due to its ability to mimic arginine residues, making it effective in enzyme inhibition. Commonly employed in research settings for designing drugs targeting thrombin, trypsin, and related serine proteases involved in coagulation and inflammatory pathways. Also utilized in the preparation of affinity ligands for chromatography and biochemical assays. Its hydrochloride salt form enhances solubility and stability, facilitating handling in aqueous reaction systems.