Renin inhibitors based on dipeptide analogs. Incorporation of the hydroxyethylene isostere at the P2/P3 sites

The synthesis of a series of renin inhibitors in which the P2 and P3 amino acids are replaced with the hydroxyethylene dipeptide isostere is reported. In vitro evaluation of the inhibitors has revealed that this isostere is an acceptable amide-bond replacement in which activity is maintained and stability is enhanced. Structure-activity relationships of this series resemble but do not parallel those of the corresponding dipeptide-containing inhibitors.