Abstract: of the formula (IV): where: R1=R?C(O), R?SO2, R?=a bicyclic, saturated or unsaturated, 8-12 membered ring system containing 0-4 hetero atoms selected from S, O and N, which is optionally substituted with up to four substituents independently selected from groups a), b) and c) below; or R?=a monocyclic, saturated or unsaturated, 5-7 membered ring containing 0-3 hetero atoms selected from S, O and N, which monocyclic ring bears at least one substituent selected from group a) and/or c) and which may optionally bear one or two further substituents selected from group b); R4=H, C1-7-alkyl, Ar—C1-7-alkyl, Ar, C3-7-cycloalkyl; C2-7alkenyl; R3=C1-7-alkyl, C2-C7 alkenyl, C2-C7 alkenyl, C3-7-cycloalkyl, Ar—C1-7-alkyl, Ar; R5=C1-7-alkyl, halogen, Ar—C1-7-alkyl, CO-3-alkyl-CONR3R4 or a bulky amine R6 is H, C1-7-alkyl, Ar—C1-7-alkyl, C1-3-alkyl-SO2-Rix, C1-3-alkyl-C(O)—NHRix or CH2XAr q is 0 or 1 have utility as inhibitors of cysteine proteases such as cathepsin K and falcipain.

Abstract: Cathepsin S is a highly active cysteine protease belonging to the papain superfamily. It is found mainly in lymph nodes, spleen, and macrophages and this limited occurrence suggests the potential involvement of this enzyme in the pathogenesis of degenerative disease. The invention relates to novel protease inhibitors, particularly inhibitors of the cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily and more particularly to Cathepsin S. The inhibitors are Furanone derivatives of Formula (II) which have a characteristic non-hydrogen substituent R5. They are selective over other members of the family and in particular show selectivity over other members of the Cathepsin family such as L and K.

Abstract: of the formula (IV): 1

Abstract: Cathepsin S is a highly active cysteine protease belonging to the papain superfamily. It is found mainly in lymph nodes, spleen, and macrophages and this limited occurrence suggests the potential involvement of this enzyme in the pathogenesis of degenerative disease. The invention relates to novel protease inhibitors, particularly inhibitors of the cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily and more particularly to Cathepsin S. The inhibitors are Furanone derivatives of Formula (II) which have a characteristic non-hydrogen substituent R5. They are selective over other members of the family and in particular show selectivity over other members of the Cathepsin family such as L and K.

Abstract: of the formula (IV): 1

Abstract: The invention relates to novel branched amino acids and novel methods for their production. The amino acids are useful in the preparation of non-natural peptides and peptidomimetics, by efficient synthesis methodology allowing good enantiomeric specificity at the alpha carbon. Typically the stereochemistry at the alpha carbon is at least 85%, preferably at least 95%, such as in excess of 99% enantiomerically pure. L-stereochemistry at this location is convenient as most biological interactions will favour this configuration, but the invention also extends to enantiomerically enriched and preferably at least 85%, preferably at least 95% such as at least 99% enantiomerically pure D stereoconfiguration. Compounds of the invention will find utility in the preparation of non-natural peptides and peptidomimetics, such as those used in the exploration of receptor specificity and activity or in peptidomimetic inhibitors of enzyme function.