The present invention relates to a novel class of compounds mainly, leucinamide-amino-carboxylate derivatives of formula (I) wherein Y is CR.sup.1R.sup.2, O, S, --SO.sub.2, C=0 or NR.sup.9; Z is CR.sup.1R.sup.2, O, S, --SO.sub.2, C.dbd.O or NR.sup.9 and each G is independently a CR.sup.1CR.sup.2. Said compounds are cathepsin cysteine protease inhibitors, including but not limited to, inhibitors of cathepsin K, L, S and B and to pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These compounds are useful for treating and preventing cathepsin dependent conditions in which inhibition of bone resorption is indicated, such as osteoporosis.