USRE40525EExpiredUtility

Hepatitis C inhibitor tri-peptides

97
Assignee: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM CA LTDPriority: Aug 10, 1998Filed: Sep 30, 2005Granted: Sep 30, 2008
Est. expiryAug 10, 2018(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
A61P 43/00A61P 31/16A61P 31/14A61P 31/12A61P 1/16C07K 5/0808C07D 417/14C07D 403/12A61K 38/21C07D 207/16C07D 401/12A61K 45/06C12P 41/005C07D 409/14C07D 405/14C07K 5/0812C12P 13/02C07K 5/0806C07D 403/14C07K 5/081C07K 5/08
97
PatentIndex Score
40
Cited by
12
References
79
Claims

Abstract

A racemate diastereoisomer and optical isomer of a compound of formula (I): wherein B is H, a C 6 or C 10 aryl, C 7-16 aralkyl; Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, all of which may be optionally substituted with C 1-6 alkyl; C 1-6 alkoxy; C 1-6 alkanoyl; hydroxy; hydroxyalkyl; halo; haloalkyl; nitro; cyano; cyanoalkyl; amino optionally substituted with C 1-6 alkyl; amido; or (lower alkyl)amide; or B is an acyl derivative of formula R 4 —C(O)—; a carboxyl derivative of formula R 4 —O—C(O)—; an amide derivative of formula R 4 —N(R 5 )—C(O)—; a thioamide derivative of formula R 4 —N(R 5 )—C(S)—; or a sulfonyl of formula R 4 —SO 2 ; R 5 is H or C 1-6 alkyl; and Y is H or C 1-6 alkyl; R 3 is C 1-8 alkyl, C 3-7 cycloalkyl, or C 4-10 alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with hydroxy, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 thioalkyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amido, C 6 or C 10 aryl, or C 7-16 aralkyl; R 2 is C 2 —R 20 , NH—R 20 , O—R 20 or S—R 20 , wherein R 20 is a saturated or unsaturated C 3-7 cycloalkyl or C 4-10 (alkylcycloalkyl), all of which being optionally mono-, di- or tri-substituted with R 21 , or R 20 is a C 6 or C 10 aryl or C 7-14 aralkyl optionally substituted, or R 20 is Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, both optionally substituted, Het or (lower alkyl)-Het; carboxyl; carboxy(lower alkyl); C 6 or C10 aryl, C 7-14 aralkyl or Het, said aryl, aralkyl or Het being optionally substituted; and R 1 is H; C 1-6 alkyl, C 3-7 cycloalkyl, C 2-6 alkenyl, or C 2-6 alkynyl, all optionally substituted with halogen; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
1. A racemate, diastereoisomer or optical isomer of a compound of formula (I): 
                 
 wherein B is H, a C 6  or C 10  aryl, C 7-16  aralkyl; Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, all of which optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; C 1-6  alkanoyl; hydroxy; hydroxyalkyl; halo; haloalkyl; nitro; cyano; cyanoalkyl; amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; amido; or (lower alkyl)amide;  
 or B is an acyl derivative of formula R 4 —C(O)—; a carboxyl derivative of formula R 4 —O—C(O)—; an amide derivative of formula R 4 —N(R 5 )—C(O)—; a thioamide derivative of formula R 4 —N(R 5 )—C(S)—; or a sulfonyl derivative of formula R 4 —SO 2  wherein 
 R 4  is (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, or amido, or (lower alkyl) amide ; and when B is R 4   —O—C ( O ) —; R   4   —N ( R   5 ) —C ( O ) —; R   4   —N ( R   5 ) —C ( S ) —; or R   4   —SO   2   , then R   4    may additionally be selected from C   1-10    alkyl substituted with  ( lower alkyl )  amide;   
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl, or C 3-7  cycloalkoxy, or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl,  all optionally substituted with hydroxy, carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy)carbonyl, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, amido, or (lower alkyl) amide; or R 4    is C   4-10    alkylcycloalkyl, optionally substituted with hydroxy, carboxyl,  ( C   1-6    alkoxy ) carbonyl, amino optionally mono -  or di - substituted with C   1-6    alkyl, or amido; and when B is R   4   —O—C ( O ) —; R   4   —N ( R   5 ) —C ( O ) —; R   4   —N ( R   5 ) —C ( S ) —; R   4   —SO   2   , then R   4    may additionally be C   4-10    alkylcycloalkyl substituted with  ( lower alkyl )  amide;   
 (iii) amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; amido; or (lower alkyl)amide;  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or  
 (v) Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, both optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido, (lower alkyl) amide, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 R 5  is H or C 1-6  alkyl; with the proviso that when B is a carboxyl derivative, an amide derivative or a thioamide derivative, R 4  is not a cycloalkoxy;  
 
 Y is H or C 1-6  alkyl;  
 R 3  is C 1-8  alkyl, C 3-7  cycloalkyl, or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  thioalkyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amido, C 6  or C 10  aryl, or C 7-16  aralkyl;  
 R 2  is CH 2 —R 20 , NH—R 20 , O—R 20  or S—R 20 , wherein R 20  is pyridinyl, quinolyl, (lower alkyl)-pyridinyl or (lower alkyl)-quinolyl, each optionally mono-, di- or tri-substituted with R 21 , 
 wherein each R 21  is independently C 1-6  alkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; lower thioalkyl; sulfonyl; NO 2 ; OH; SH; halo; haloalkyl; amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, C 6  or C 10  aryl, C 7-14  aralkyl, Het or (lower alkyl)-Het; amido optionally mono-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, C 6  or C 1-10  aryl,  C 6    or C   10    aryl,  C 7-14  aralkyl, Het or (lower alkyl)-Het; carboxyl; carboxy(lower alkyl); C 6  or C 10  aryl, C 7-14  aralkyl or Het, said aryl, aralkyl or Het being optionally substituted with R 22 ; 
 wherein R 22  is C 1-6  alkyl; C 3-7  cycloalkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; sulfonyl; (lower alkyl)sulfonyl; NO 2 ; OH; SH; halo; haloalkyl; carboxyl; amide; (lower alkyl)amide; or Het optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 
 
 R 1  is H, C 1-6  alkyl, C 3-7  cycloalkyl, C 2-6  alkenyl, or C 2-6  alkynyl, all optionally substituted with halogen;  
 
       or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof; wherein “Het” is defined as a five-membered saturated or unsaturated, aromatic or non-aromatic, heterocycle containing from one to four heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, wherein said heterocycle is optionally fused to a benzene ring. 
     
     
       2. A compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , wherein
 B is a C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, nitro, cyano, cyanoalkyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amido, or amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or  
 B is Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, nitro, cyano, cyanoalkyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amido, or amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl.  
 
     
     
       3. A compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , wherein B is R 4 —SO 2  wherein R 4  is preferably amido; (lower alkyl)amide; C 6  or C 10  aryl, C 7-14  aralkyl or Het, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl. 
     
     
       4. A compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , wherein B is an acyl derivative of formula R 4 —C(O)— wherein R 4  is
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, hydroxy or C 1-6  alkoxy, amido, (lower alkyl)amide,  or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, both  optionally substituted with hydroxy, carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy) carbonyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or R 4    is C   4-10    alkylcycloalkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, carboxyl,  ( C   1-6    alkoxy ) carbonyl, amido, or amino optionally mono -  or di - substituted with C   1-6    alkyl;   
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido, (lower alkyl) amide, or amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (v) Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, both optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, or amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl.  
 
     
     
       5. A compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , wherein B is a carboxyl derivative of formula R 4 —O—C(O)—, wherein R 4  is
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, amido or (lower alkyl)amide;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl, or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy)carbonyl, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, amido or (lower alkyl)amide;  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyli, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido, (lower alkyl)amido, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or  
 (v) Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, both optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, amido or (lower alkyl) amido.  
 
     
     
       6. A compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , wherein B is an amide derivative of formula R 4 —N(R 5 )—C(O)— wherein R 4  is
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy, amido, (lower alkyl) amido, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy)carbonyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amido, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (iii) amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-3  alkyl;  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido, (lower alkyl) amide, or amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or  
 (v) Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, both optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, amido or (lower alkyl)amide; and  
 R 5  is H or methyl.  
 
     
     
       7. A compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , wherein B is a thioamide derivative of formula R 4 —NH—C(S)—; wherein R 4  is
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl or C 1-6  alkoxy;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy)carbonyl, amino or amido.  
 
     
     
       8. A compound of formula I according to  claim 2 , wherein B is a C 6  or C 10  aryl optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, nitro, cyano, cyanoalkyl, amido, (lower alkyl) amide, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl. 
     
     
       9. A compound of formula I according to  claim 2 , wherein B is Het optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, halo, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl. 
     
     
       10. A compound of formula I according to  claim 4 , wherein B is an acyl derivative of formula R 4 —C(O)— wherein R 4  is
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, hydroxy or C 1-6  alkoxy; or  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, both optionally substituted with hydroxy, carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy) carbonyl, or  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, or (v) Het optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido or amino.  
 
     
     
       11. A compound of formula I according to  claim 5 , wherein B is a carboxyl derivative of formula R 4 —O—C (O)—, wherein R 4  is
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy or amido, (lower alkyl) amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl, C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy)carbonyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, or  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or  
 (v) Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, both optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido, or amino optionally mono-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl.  
 
     
     
       12. A compound of formula I according to  claim 6 , wherein B is an amide derivative of formula R 4 —N(R 5 —C(O)— wherein R 4  is
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy, amido, (lower alkyl) amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy)carbonyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (iii) amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-3  alkyl, or  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino or amido optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or  
 (v) Het optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino or amido, and R 5  is H.  
 
     
     
       13. A compound of formula I according to  claim 7 , wherein B is a thioamide derivative of formula R 4 —NH—C(S)—; wherein R 4  is (i) C 1-10  alkyl; or (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl. 
     
     
       14. A compound of formula I according to  claim 12 , wherein B is an amide derivative of formula R 4 —NH—C (O)— wherein R 4  is
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy amido, (lower alkyl) amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy)carbonyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino or amido.  
 
     
     
       15. A compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , wherein B is 
                 
 
     
     
       16. A compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , wherein Y is H or methyl. 
     
     
       17. A compound of formula I according to  claim 16 , wherein Y is H. 
     
     
       18. A compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , wherein R 3  is C 1-8  alkyl, C 3-7  cycloalkyl, or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  thioalkyl, acetamido, C 6  or C 10  aryl, or C 7-16  aralkyl. 
     
     
       19. A compound of formula I according to  claim 18 , wherein R 3  is the side chain of Tbg, Ile, Val, Chg or: 
                 
 
     
     
       20. A compound of formula I according to  claim 19 , wherein R 3  is the side chain of Tbg, Chg or Val. 
     
     
       21. A compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , wherein R 2  is S—R 20  or O—R 20  wherein R 20  is a pyridinyl, quinolyl, —CH 2 -pyridinyl or —CH 2 -quinolyl, all optionally mono-, di- or tri-substituted with R 21 , wherein
 R 21  is C 1-6  alkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; lower thioalkyl; amino or amido optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, C 6  or C 10  aryl, C 7-16  aralkyl, Het or (lower alkyl)-Het; NO 2 ; OH; halo; trifluoromethyl; carboxyl; C 6  or C 10  aryl, C 7-16  aralkyl, or Het, said aryl, aralkyl or Het being optionally substituted with R 22 , wherein R 22  is C 1-6  alkyl; C 3-7  cycloalkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; amino; mono- or di-(lower alkyl)amino; (lower alkyl)amide; sulfonylalkyl; NO 2 ; OH; halo; trifluoromethyl; carboxyl or Het.  
 
     
     
       22. A compound of formula I according to  claim 21 , wherein R 21  is C 1-6  alkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; amino; di(lower alkyl)amino; (lower alkyl)amide; C 6  or C 10  aryl, or Het, said aryl or Het being optionally substituted with R 22 , wherein R 22  is C 1-6  alkyl; C 3-7  cycloalkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; amino; mono- or di(lower alkyl)amino; amido; (lower alkyl)amide; halo; trifluoromethyl or Het. 
     
     
       23. A compound of formula I according to  claim 22 , wherein R 22  is C 1-6  alkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; halo; amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with lower alkyl; amido; (lower alkyl)amide; or Het. 
     
     
       24. A compound of formula I according to  claim 23 , wherein R 22  is methyl; ethyl; isopropyl; tert-butyl; methoxy; chloro; amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with lower alkyl; amido, (lower alkyl)amide; or (lower alkyl) 2-thiazole. 
     
     
       25. A compound of formula I according to  claim 21 , wherein R 2  is 
                 
 
     
     
       26. A compound of formula I according to  claim 21 , wherein R 2  is quinolinoxy unsubstituted, mono- or di-substituted with R 21 , as defined in  claim 21 . 
     
     
       27. A compound of formula I according to  claim 26 , wherein R 2  is selected from the group consisting of: 
                 
 
     
     
       28. A compound of formula I according to  claim 26 , wherein R 2  is: 
                 
 wherein R 21A  is C 1-6  alkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; lower thioalkyl; halo; amino optionally mono-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or C 6 , C 10  aryl, C 7-16  aralkyl, or Het, said aryl, aralkyl or Het optionally substituted with R 22  wherein R 22  is C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, amido, (lower alkyl) amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, or Het; and  
 R 21B  is C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, amino, di(lower alkyl) amino, (lower alkyl)amide, NO 2 , OH, halo, trifluoromethyl, or carboxyl.  
 
     
     
       29. A compound of formula I according to  claim 28 , wherein R 21A  is C 6 , C 10  aryl or Het, all optionally substituted with R 22  as defined in  claim 28 . 
     
     
       30. A compound of formula I according to  claim 29 , wherein R 21A  is selected from the group consisting of: 
                 
 
     
     
       31. A compound of formula I according to  claim 21 , wherein R 2  is: 
                 
 wherein R 22A  is C 1-6  alkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; or halo; and R 21B  is C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, amino, di(lower alkyl)amino, (lower alkyl)amide, NO 2 , OH, halo, trifluoromethyl, or carboxyl.  
 
     
     
       32. A compound of formula I according to  claim 28 , wherein R 2  is: 
                 
 
       wherein R 22B  is C 1-6  alkyl, amino optionally mono-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, amido, or (lower alkyl)amide and R 21B  is C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, amino, di(lower alkyl) amino, (lower alkyl)amide, NO 2 , OH, halo, trifluoromethyl, or carboxyl. 
     
     
       33. A compound of formula I according to  claim 31  or  32 , wherein R 21B  is C 1-6  alkoxy, or di(lower alkyl)amino. 
     
     
       34. A compound of formula I according to  claim 31  or  32 , wherein R 21B  is methoxy. 
     
     
       35. A compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , wherein R 1  is H, C 1-3  alkyl, C 3-5  cycloalkyl, or C 2-4  alkenyl, all optionally substituted with halo. 
                 
 
     
     
       36. A compound of formula I according to  claim 35 , wherein P1 is:
 and R 1  is ethyl, vinyl, cyclopropyl, 1 or 2-bromoethyl or 1 or 2-bromovinyl.  
 
     
     
       37. A compound of formula I according to  claim 36 , wherein R 1  is vinyl. 
     
     
       38. A compound of formula I according to  claim 31 , wherein R 1  at carbon 2 is orientated syn to the carbonyl at position 1, represented by the radical: 
                 
 
     
     
       39. A compound of formula I according to  claim 36 , wherein R 1  at position 2 is orientated anti to the carbonyl at position 1, represented by the radical: 
                 
 
     
     
       40. A compound of formula I according to  claim 36 , wherein carbon 1 has the R configuration: 
                 
 
     
     
       41. An optical isomer of a compound of formula I according to  claim 40 , wherein said R 1  substituent and the carbonyl are in a syn orientation in the following absolute configuration: 
                 
 
     
     
       42. A compound of formula I according to  claim 41  wherein R 1  is ethyl, hence the asymmetric carbon atoms at positions 1 and 2 have the R,R configuration. 
     
     
       43. A compound of formula I according to  claim 41 , wherein R 1  is vinyl, hence the asymmetric carbon atoms at positions 1 and 2 have the R,S configuration. 
     
     
       44. A compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , wherein
 B is a C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, nitro, cyano, cyanoalkyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amido, or amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, nitro, cyano, cyanoalkyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amido, or amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, or  
 B is R 4 —SO 2  wherein R 4  is preferably amido; (lower alkyl)amide; C 6  or C 10  aryl, C 7-14  aralkyl or Het, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, or  
 B is an acyl derivative of formula R 4 —C(O)— wherein R 4  is 
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, hydroxy or C 1-6  alkoxy, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, both optionally substituted with hydroxy, carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy)carbonyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, or amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (v) Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, both optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, or amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, or  
 B is a carboxyl derivative of formula R 4 —O—C(O)—, wherein R 4  is 
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, amido or (lower alkyl)amide;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl, C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy) carbonyl, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, amido or (lower alkyl)amide;  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido, (lower alkyl) amido, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or  
 (v) Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, both optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, amido or (lower alkyl) amido, or  
 
 B is an amide derivative of formula R 4 —N(R 5 )—C(O)— wherein R 4  is 
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy, amido, (lower alkyl)amido, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy) carbonyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amido, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (iii) amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-3  alkyl;  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, or amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or  
 (v) Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, both optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amide; and  
 R 5  is preferably H or methyl, or  
 
 B is thioamide derivative of formula R 4 —NH—C(S)—; wherein R 4  is 
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl or C 1-6  alkoxy;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy) carbonyl, amino or amido;  
 
 Y is H or methyl;  
 R 3  is C 1-6  alkyl, C 3-7  cycloalkyl, or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  thioalkyl, acetamido, C 6  or C 10  aryl, or C 7-16  aralkyl;  
 R 2  is S—R 20  or O—R 20  wherein R 20  is pyridinyl, quinolyl, —CH 2 -pyridinyl or —CH 2 -quinolyl, all optionally mono-, di- or tri-substituted with R 21 , wherein 
 R 21  is C 1-6  alkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; lower thioalkyl; amino or amido optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, C 6  or C 10  aryl, C 7-16  aralkyl, Het or (lower alkyl)-Het; NO 2 ; OH; halo; trifluoromethyl; carboxyl; C 6  or C 10  aryl, C 7-16  aralkyl, or Het, said aryl, aralkyl or Het being optionally substituted with R 22 , wherein  
 R 22  is C 1-6  alkyl; C 3-7  cycloalkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; amino; mono- or di-(lower alkyl)amino; (lower alkyl)amide; sulfonylalkyl; NO 2 ; OH; halo; trifluoromethyl; carboxyl or Het;  
 
 or R 2  is quinolinoxy unsubstituted, mono- or di-substituted with R 21  as defined above; and  
 P1 is: 
                 
 wherein R 1  is H, C 1-3  alkyl, C 3-5  cycloalkyl, or C 2-4  alkenyl optionally substituted with halo, and said R 1  at carbon 2 is orientated syn to the carbonyl at position 1, represented by the radical: 
                 
 
 
 
       or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof. 
     
     
       45. A compound of formula I according to  claim 44 , wherein B is a C 6  or C 10  aryl optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, nitro, cyano, cyanoalkyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or B is Het optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, halo, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, or amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or
 B is R 4 —SO 2  wherein R 4  is C 6  or C 10  aryl, a C 7-14  aralkyl or Het all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; amido, (lower alkyl)amide; B is an acyl derivative of formula R 4 —C(O)— wherein R 4  is 
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, hydroxy or C 1-6  alkoxy; or  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, both optionally substituted with hydroxy, carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy)carbonyl; or  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy; or  
 (v) Het optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido or amino;  
 
 or B is a carboxyl derivative of formula R 4 —O—C(O)—, wherein R 4  is 
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy or amido, (lower alkyl)amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl, C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy)carbonyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or  
 (v) Het or (lower alkyl)-Het, both optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amido, or amino optionally mono-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 
 or B is an amide derivative of formula R 4 —N(R 5 )—C(O)— wherein R 4  is 
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy) carbonyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; and R 5  is H or methyl; or  
 R 4  is (iii) amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-3  alkyl; or  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl, all optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino or amido optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or  
 (v) Het optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino or amido; or  
 
 B is a thioamide derivative of formula R 4 —NH—C(S)—; wherein RR 4  is 
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl; or (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl; or  
 
 Y is H;  
 R 3  is the side chain or Tbg, Ile, Val, Chg or: 
                 
 R 2  is quinolinoxy unsubstituted, mono- or di-substituted with R 21  as defined above, or R 2  is: 
                 
 
 
 wherein R 21  is C 1-6  alkyl; C 1-6  alkoxy; C 6 , C 10  aryl or Het; lower thioalkyl; halo; amino optionally mono-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl; or C 6 , C 10  aryl, C 7-16  aralkyl or Het, optionally substituted with R 22  wherein R 22  is C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, or Het; and R 21B is  C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, amino, di(lower alkyl)amino, (lower alkyl)amide, NO 2 , OH, halo, trifluoromethyl, or carboxyl;  
 P1 is: 
                 
 R 1  is ethyl, vinyl, cyclopropyl, 1 or 2-bromoethyl or 1 or 2-bromovinyl.  
 
 
     
     
       46. A compound of formula I according to claims  claim  45 , wherein
 B is an amide derivative of formula R 4 —NH—C(O)— wherein R 4  is 
 (i) C 1-10  alkyl optionally substituted with carboxyl, C 1-6  alkanoyl, hydroxy, C 1-6  alkoxy, amido, (lower alkyl) amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (ii) C 3-7  cycloalkyl or C 4-10  alkylcycloalkyl, all optionally substituted with carboxyl, (C 1-6  alkoxy) carbonyl, amido, (lower alkyl)amide, amino optionally mono- or di-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl;  
 (iv) C 6  or C 10  aryl or C 7-16  aralkyl optionally substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, hydroxy, amino or amido;  
 
 R 3  is the side chain of Tbg, Chg or Val;  
 R 2  is: 
                 
 wherein R 22A  is C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy; R 22B  is C 1-6  alkyl, amino optionally mono-substituted with C 1-6  alkyl, or (lower alkyl)amide; and R 21B  is C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, amino, di(lower alkyl)amino, (lower alkyl) amide, NO 2 , OH, halo, trifluoromethyl, or carboxyl;  
 
 and P 1  is:                    
 
     
     
       47. A compound according to  claim 44  represented by the formula: 
                 
 wherein B, R 3 , R 2  are as defined below: 
                               Tab 1                 Cpd #   B   R 3     R 2             106   Boc   cHex                           108   Boc   iPr                           109   acetyl   cHex                           110   Boc   i-Pr                           and 111   Boc   t-Bu                                                        
 ! 
 
 
     
     
       48. Compound #111 according to  claim 47 . 
     
     
       49. A compound according to  claim 44  represented by the formula: 
                 
 wherein B, R 3 , R 2, R1  are defined below: 
                                   Table                     2               R 1       Cpd               anti to     #   B   R 3     R 2     carboxy           203   Boc   t-Bu                         vinyl 1R, 2R.                                
 ! 
 
 
     
     
       50. Compound #203 according to  claim 48 . 
     
     
       51. A compound according to  claim 44  represented by the formula: 
                 
 wherein B, R 3 , R 2 , R 1  are as defined below: 
                                                   R 1       Table 3               syn to     Cpd #   B   R 3     R 2     carboxyl           304   Boc   cHex                         ethyl;     306   Boc   cHex                         vinyl;     307   Boc   cHex                         vinyl;     310   Boc   cHex                         vinyl;     311   Boc   cHex                         vinyl;     312   Boc   cHex                         vinyl;     313   Boc   cHex                         vinyl;     314   Boc   cHex                         vinyl;     315   Boc   cHex                         vinyl;     316   Acetyl   cHex                         vinyl;     317   Boc   cHex                         vinyl;     318   CF 3 —C(O)—   i-Pr                         vinyl;     322   Boc   t-Bu                         vinyl;     323   Boc   t-Bu                                                 325   Boc   t-Bu                                                 327                         t-Bu                         vinyl;     328   Boc   t-Bu                         vinyl;     331                         t-Bu                         vinyl;     332   Boc   t-Bu                         ethyl;     333                         t-Bu                         vinyl;     and 334                         t-Bu                         vinyl.                                                   
 ! 
 
 
     
     
       52. A compound according to  claim 51 , selected from the group consisting of compound #, 307, 314, 325, 327, 331, 332, 333, and 334. 
     
     
       53. A compound according to  claim 44  represented by the formula: 
                 
 wherein B, R 3 , R 2  and R 1  are as defined below: 
                                   Table 4                     Cpd #   B   R 3     R 2     R 1             401   Boc   i-Pr                         H;     402   Boc   t-Bu                         H;     403   Boc   t-Bu                         H;     404   Boc   t-Bu                         3-(═CH 2 );     405   Boc   t-Bu                         2-vinyl;     and 406   Boc   t-Bu                         2-Et.                                   
 ! 
 
 
     
     
       54. A compound according to  claim 53 , selected from the group consisting of compound #: 403, 405, and 406. 
     
     
       55. A compound according to  claim 44  represented by the formula:
                                   Table 5             Cpd #   R 3                     501   t-Bu;         502   H;         503                               504                               505                               506                               507                               508                               509                               510                               and 511                                                                  
 ! 
 wherein R 3  is as defined below: 
                 
 
 
     
     
       56. A compound according to  claim 55 , selected from the group consisting of compound #: 501, 509, and 510. 
     
     
       57. A compound according to  claim 45  represented by the formula: 
                 
 wherein R 3, R21A , R 21B  are as defined below: 
                               Table 6                 Cpd #   R 3     R 21A     R 21B             601   i-Pr   Ph   7-OMe;     602   t-Bu   Ph   8-OMe,                 7-OMe;     603   i-Pr   Ph   7-ethyl;     604   t-Bu   —   7-OMe;     605   t-Bu   Ph   7-O-iPr;     606   t-Bu   —   7-Cl;     607   iPr   —   7-Cl;     608   CH 2 -iPr   —   7-Cl;     610   t-Bu   Cl   —;     611   t-Bu   Ph   7-N(Me) 2 ;     613   t-Bu                         —;     614   t-Bu                         —;     615   t-Bu   —   7-N(Me) 2 ;     616   t-Bu                         —;     618   t-Bu                         —;     619   t-Bu                         —;     621   t-Bu                         —;     622   t-Bu                         —;     623   t-Bu   MeO—   —;     624   t-Bu   (Me) 2 N—   —;     625   t-Bu   Ph   7-S(Me);     626   t-Bu   Ph   7-Br;     627   t-Bu   Ph   7-F;     628   t-Bu                         7-N(Me) 2 ;     629   t-Bu                         7-N(Me) 2 ;     and 630   t-Bu                         7-N(Et) 2 ;                                                        
 ! 
 
 
     
     
       58. A compound according to  claim 57 , selected from the group consisting of compound #: 606, 607, 610, 611, 615, 616, 621, 622, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, and 630. 
     
     
       59. A compound according to  claim 45  represented by the formula: 
                 
 wherein R 3  and R 21A  are as defined below: 
                           Table 7             Cpd #   R 3     R 21A             701   t-Bu                           702   t-Bu                           703   t-Bu                           704   t-Bu                           706   t-Bu                           707   t-Bu                           708   t-Bu   Ph—N(Me)—     709   t-Bu                           710   t-Bu   HOOC—     711   t-Bu                           712   t-Bu   (Me) 2 N—     713   t-Bu                           714   t-Bu                           717   t-Bu                           718   t-Bu   NH 2       719   t-Bu                           720   t-Bu                           722   t-Bu                           723   t-Bu                           726   t-Bu   i-Pr     728   t-Bu                           730   t-Bu                           731   t-Bu                           732   t-Bu                           733   t-Bu                           734   t-Bu                           735   t-Bu                           736   t-Bu   t-Bu;     and   t-Bu   cHex     737.                                                           
 ! 
 
 
     
     
       60. A compound according to  claim 59 , selected from the group consisting of compound #: 701, 702, 703, 704, 706, 707, 708, 709, 711 to 714, 717 to 720, 722, 723, 726, 728, and 730 to 737. 
     
     
       61. A compound according to  claim 44  represented by the formula: 
                 
 wherein B, R 3 , and R 22  are as defined below: 
                               Table 8                 Cpd #   B   R 3     R 22             801                         t-Bu   —;     802                         t-Bu   —;     803                         t-Bu   —;     804                         t-Bu   —;     805   Ac   t-Bu   —;     806                         t-Bu   —;     807                         t-Bu   —;     808                         t-Bu   —;     809                         i-Pr   —;     810                         t-Bu   —;     811   Boc   t-Bu   4-Cl;     812                         t-Bu   —;     813                         t-Bu   —;     814   Boc   t-Bu   2-Cl;     815   Boc   t-Bu   3-Cl;     816                         t-Bu   —;     817                         t-Bu   —;     818                         t-Bu   —;     819                         i-Pr   —;     820                         i-Pr   —;     821                         i-Pr   —;     822                         i-Pr   —;     823   Boc   t-Bu   2-OMe;     824   Boc   t-Bu   3-OMe;     825   Boc   t-Bu   4-OMe;     826                         i-Pr   —;     827                         t-Bu   —;     828                         i-Pr   —;     829                         t-Bu   —;     830                         t-Bu   —;     831                         t-Bu   —;     832                         t-Bu   —;     833                         t-Bu   —;     834                         i-Pr   —;     835                         t-Bu   —;     836                         i-Pr   —;     837                         i-Pr   —;     838                         i-Pr   —;     839                         i-Pr   —;     840                         i-Pr   —;     841   Boc   t-Bu   2-Me;     842   Boc   t-Bu   3-Me;     843   Boc   t-Bu   4-Me;     844                         t-Bu   4-OMe;     845                         i-Pr   —;     846                         i-Pr   —;     847   Boc   cHex   —;     848   Boc                         —;     849   Boc                         —;     850   Boc                         —;     851   Boc                         —;     852   Boc                         —;     853   Boc                         —;     854                         i-Pr   —;     855                         i-Pr   —;     856                         i-Pr   —;     857                         t-Bu   —;     858                         t-Bu   —;     859                         i-Pr   —;     860                         i-Pr   —;     861                         i-Pr   —;     862                         i-Pr   —;     863                         i-Pr   —;     864                         i-Pr   —;     865                         t-Bu   —;     866                         t-Bu   —;     867                         t-Bu   —;     868                         t-Bu   —;     869                         t-Bu   —;     870                         t-Bu   —;     871                         t-Bu   —;     872                         t-Bu   —;     and 873                         t-Bu   —.                                                                                                      
 ! 
 
 
     
     
       62. A compound according to  claim 61 , selected from the group consisting of compound #:801 to 825, 827 to 858, and 860 to 873. 
     
     
       63. A compound according to  claim 44  represented by the formula: 
                 
 wherein B is as defined below: 
                                   Table 9             Cpd #   B                   901   Boc         902                               903                               904                               905                               906                               907                               908                               909                               910                               911                               912                               913                               914                               915                               916                                                                       
 ! 
 
 
     
     
       64. A compound according to  claim 44  represented by the formula: 
                 
 wherein B—N(Y)—, R 3 , and R 2  are as defined below: 
                               Table 10 Cpd #   B—N(Y)—   R 3     R 2                                     1001   Ph—N(Me)—   i-Pr                           1002   Boc-NH—   t-Bu                           and 1003                         i-Pr                                                           
 ! 
 
 
     
     
       65. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-hepatitis C virally effective amount of a compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , or a therapeutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier medium or auxiliary agent. 
     
     
       66. A method of treating a hepatitis C viral infection in a mammal comprises administering to the mammal an anti-hepatitis C virally effective amount of the compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , or a therapeutically acceptable salt or ester thereof. 
     
     
       67. A method of treating a hepatitis C viral infection in a mammal comprises administering to the mammal an anti-hepatitis C virally effective amount of the composition according to  claim 66 . 
     
     
       68. A method of inhibiting the replication of hepatitis C virus comprises exposing the virus to a hepatitis C viral NS3 protease inhibiting amount of the compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , or a therapeutically acceptable salt or ester thereof. 
     
     
       69. A method of treating a hepatitis C viral infection in a mammal comprises administering thereto an anti-hepatitis C virally effective amount of a combination of the compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , or a therapeutically acceptable salt or ester thereof with another anti-HCV agent. 
     
     
       70. A method according to  claim 69 , wherein said other anti-HCV agent is selected from the group consisting of: α- or β-interferon, ribavirin and amantadine. 
     
     
       71. A method according to  claim 69 , wherein said other anti-HCV agent comprises an inhibitor of other targets in the HCV life cycle, selected from: helicase, polymerase, metalloprotease or IRES. 
     
     
       72. A process for the preparation of a peptide analog of formula (I) according to  claim 1  wherein P1 is a substituted aminocyclopropyl carboxylic acid residue, comprising the step of:
 coupling a peptide selected from the group consisting of: APG-P3-P2; or APG-P2; with a P1 intermediate of formula: 
                 
 
  wherein R 1  is C 1-6  alkyl, cycloalkyl or C 2-6  alkenyl, all optionally substituted with halogen, 
 CPG is a carboxyl protecting group and APG is an amino protecting group and P3 and P2 are as defined above.  
 
 
     
     
       73. A process for the preparation of: a peptide analog of formula (I) according to  claim 1 , this process comprising the step of:
 coupling a suitably protected amino acid, peptide or peptide fragment with a P1 intermediate of formula: 
                 
 
  wherein R 1  is C 1-6  alkyl, cycloalkyl or C 2-6  alkenyl, all optionally substituted with halogen, and CPG is a carboxyl protecting group.  
 
     
     
       74. A process for the preparation of: a peptide analog of formula (I) according to  claim 1 , this process comprising the step of:
 coupling a suitably protected amino acid, peptide or peptide fragment with a P1 intermediate of formula: 
                 
 wherein CPG is a carboxyl protecting group.  
 
 
     
     
       75. A process according to  claim 72 ,  73  or  74  wherein said carboxyl protecting group (CPG) is selected from the group consisting of:
 alkyl esters, aralkyl esters, and esters being cleavable by mild base treatment or mild reductive means.  
 
     
     
       76. A Method of preparing a composition for treating a hepatitis C viral infection in a mammal comprising combining an anti-hepatitis C virally effective amount of the compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , or a therapeutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier medium or auxiliary agent. 
     
     
       77. Method of preparing a composition for inhibiting the replication of hepatitis C virus comprising combining a hepatitis C viral NS3 protease inhibiting amount of the compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , or a therapeutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier medium or auxiliary agent. 
     
     
       78. Method of preparing a composition for treating a hepatitis C viral infection in a mammal comprising combining an anti-hepatitis C virally effective amount of a combination of the compound of formula I according to  claim 1 , or a therapeutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, and an interferon with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier medium or auxiliary agent. 
     
     
       79. A compound of formula (I) according to  claim 1 , wherein each Het group is independently selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidine, tetrahydrofuran, thiazolidine, pyrrole, 1,4-dioxane, indole, or any of the following heterocycles:

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