Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral and antiretroviral drugs, particularly in the development of protease inhibitors. Its spirocyclic structure and stereochemistry make it valuable for designing enzyme inhibitors with high selectivity and potency. Commonly employed in pharmaceutical research to optimize drug candidates targeting HIV and hepatitis C due to its ability to mimic peptide transition states. Also utilized in asymmetric synthesis and chiral drug development, where its rigid framework supports precise spatial orientation of functional groups.