The invention describes and claims the use of vasopeptidase inhibitors of formula (I) ##STR1##

for the treatment of nephropathy in diabetic or non-diabetic patients, including diabetic or non-diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, glomerular sclerosis, nephrotic syndome, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, microalbuminuria or end stage renal disease, or insulin resistance or of metabolic diseases associated with advanced glycation end-products, such as diabetic complications, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, myocardial infarction and/or diabetic cardiomyopathy, or atherosclerosis or endothelial dysfunction.