The present invention is directed to novel dipeptides thereof, represented by the general Formula I: 1 where R.sub.1-R.sub.3 and AA are defined herein. The present invention relates to the discovery that compounds having Formula I are potent inhibitors of apoptotic cell death. Therefore, the inhibitors of this invention can retard or block cell death in a variety of clinical conditions in which the loss of cells, tissues or entire organs occurs.