Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of sofosbuvir, a nucleoside analog antiviral medication primarily for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Its structure mimics natural nucleosides, incorporating a uracil base and modified fluorinated ribose, to inhibit viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), thereby interfering with HCV replication.

Employed in pharmaceutical research for developing HCV-targeted drug candidates. The benzoyl protecting groups enhance synthetic stability, and it supports structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to optimize metabolic stability, bioavailability, and oral efficacy of prodrug forms.