Enzyme inhibitors

Abstract

Disclosed herein are peptide derivatives which inhibit the activity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease. The peptide derivatives can be represented by general formula R.sup.1 --R.sup.2 --Y--R.sup.3 --R.sup.4 wherein R.sup.1 is an optionally substituted 3-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolyl)carbonyl residue, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are amino acid or analogous amino acid residues (R.sup.3 may optionally be absent), Y is a non-peptide linking unit, e.g. statyl, and R.sup.4 is [--NR.sup.17 CH(R.sup.18)C(O)].sub.p --Z wherein R.sup.17 is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R.sup.18 is an amino acid or analogous amino acid side chain, p is zero or 1 and Z is a terminal group (e.g. hydroxy or amino), or R.sup.4 is --NR.sup.17 CR.sup.18 (R.sup.21)CH.sub.2 --OH wherein R.sup.17 and R.sup.18 are as noted hereinabove and R.sup.21 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or hydroxy(lower)alkyl. The derivatives also inhibit renin activity. Accordingly, the derivatives can be used for combating HIV infections or for treating hypertension or congestive heart failure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.