Used primarily in research settings to study the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 viral replication by targeting the 3CLpro (main protease) enzyme essential for viral proliferation. It serves as a tool compound for understanding the mechanisms of viral entry and replication, aiding in the development of potential antiviral therapies. Its application is crucial in preclinical studies to evaluate efficacy and safety in targeting specific viral proteins or pathways. Researchers utilize it to explore novel treatment strategies, assess its potential to reduce virus spread in infected cells, and evaluate its impact on human cells for safety before clinical use, positioning it as a lead compound for drug development against COVID-19 and related coronaviruses.