Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antibiotics, particularly those targeting bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. It mimics the natural substrate of penicillin-binding proteins and is valuable in studying enzyme inhibition mechanisms. Also employed in the development of peptidomimetic drugs and in biochemical assays to investigate resistance mechanisms in bacteria, especially in vancomycin-resistant strains. Its stable cyclic structure makes it useful in structure-activity relationship studies for designing new antimicrobial agents.