Compounds of formula (I, II or III), wherein X is OH; Y is OH, H, lower alkyl of one to six carbons or heteroatoms or F; Z and Z are independently H, lower alkyl or Q₃Si where Q is lower alkyl or aryl; n is 3-50; n is 2-50; A and B are independently a) alkyl of one to ten carbons or heteroatoms, b) aryl of four to seven carbons or heteroatoms, c) cyclic of three to ten carbons or heteroatoms, or moieties of the formulas (d, e, or f); R¹-R¹¹ groups are each independently hydrogen, alkyl of one to ten carbons or heteroatoms, aryl of 4 to 14 carbons or heteroatoms, arylalkyl of five to twenty carbons or heteroatoms; unsubstituted carbonyl or substituted carbonyl. Heteroatoms are nitrogen, oxygen, silicon or sulfur. At least one of A or B, or both A and B are d), e), or f). The compounds of formula (I) inhibit protease enzymes and can be used as pharmaceuticals.