This invention is directed to a class of compounds (Formula I) including succinoyl amino pyrazoles, succinoyl amino thiadiazoles, succinoyl amino acid esters, succinoyl amino acid amides, succinoyl amino alcohols, succinoyl amino ketones, succinoyl amino hydantoins, succinoyl anilines, and succinoyl derivatives of privileged structures. The invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical formation comprising such compound in a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form or prodrug thereof. The invention is further directed to a method for inhibiting -amyloid peptide release and/or synthesis, a method for inhibiting -secretase activity and a method for treating neurological disorders associated with -amyloid peptide production. The method comprises administering to a host a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an effective amount of a compound of Formula I. The compounds of Formula I are useful in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.