New peptidomimetic inhibitors of retroviral proteases are in particular
for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease. These inhibitors include
as the core structure a new diamiriodiol isostere of the dipeptide
Phe-Pro having four stereogenic centers. The inhibitors have been shown
to inhibit HIV-protease and can therefore be usefully employed as
antivirals for post-exposure prophylaxis and as a therapy for viral
infections by a retrovirus, in particular HIV. The syntheses processes of
the isosteres and inhibitors are also described.