Primarily utilized in medical research, this compound is a key component in the study of antiviral therapies. It serves as a nucleoside analog, which is instrumental in inhibiting the replication of certain viruses by integrating into viral DNA and terminating its elongation. This mechanism is particularly valuable in the development of treatments for viral infections, including those caused by retroviruses. Additionally, it is used in biochemical assays to understand the behavior of viral enzymes and the efficacy of potential antiviral drugs. Its role in research contributes significantly to the advancement of antiviral strategies and the exploration of novel therapeutic agents.