| abstract |
Compounds of the formula I : nwherein: nA' and A" are independently the same or different group of the formula II : nwherein: R' is H, CH 3 , C(CH 3 ) 2 , -OR a , -N(R a ) 2 , -N(R a )OR a or -DP R''' is H or CH 3 ; R a is H, C 1 -C 3 alkyl; D is a bond, alkylene, -C(=O)-, -S(O)- or -S(O) 2 - ; P is an optionally substituted, mono or bicyclic carbo- or heterocycle; R" is H, any of the sidechains found in the natural amino acids, carboxacetamide, or a group (CH 2 ) n DP; M is a bond or -C(=O)N(R''')-; Q is absent, a bond, -CH(OH)- or -CH 2 -; or R" together with Q , M and R' define an optionally substituted 5 or 6 membered carbo- or heterocyclic ring which is optionally fused with a further 5 or 6 membered carbo- or heterocyclic ring; with the proviso that R' is -OR a , -N(R a ) 2 , -N(R a )OR a or -DP, if M is a bond and Q is absent; X is H, OH, OCH 3 ; Y is H, OH, OCH 3 , but X and Y are not both H; Z' and Z" are independently -(CH 2 ) m P where P is as defined above; n and m are independently 0,1 or 2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof have utility as aspartyl protease inhibitors of HIV. They can be prepared in a facile two step synthesis from novel 2,5-di-O-benzyl-L-mannaro-1,4:6,3-dilactone intermediates. |