Substituted amino carboxylic acids

1. A compound of the formula

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein

R 1 is H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, phenyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or C 3 C 6 alkenyl;

R 6 and R 7 are independently H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, aryl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, (C 1 -C 8 )alkanoyl optionally substituted with 1 or 2 groups independently selected from amino, mono or dialkylamino, —NHaryl, —N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl)aryl, and CO 2 H,aryl(C 1 -C 6 )alkanoyl, (C 1 -C 6 ) alkoxycarbonyl, arylalkoxycarbonyl, heteroarylcarbonyl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkylcarbonyl, —C(O)NH 2 , —C(O)NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —C(O)N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —C(═NH)NH 2 , —C(═N—C(O)C 1 -C 6 alkoxy)NH—C(O)C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, or —SO 2 -aryl, wherein the cyclic portions of each of the above are optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 groups that are independently halogen, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, NO 2 , OH, CO 2 H, CN, C 2 -C 6 alkanoyl, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy;

R 20 , R 21 , R 22 , and R 23 are independently selected from H, arylalkoxy, arylalkyl, halogen, alkyl, OH, alkoxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, NHaryl, N(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-aryl, —NHSO 2 -aryl, —N(C 1 -C 4 alkyl)SO 2 aryl, wherein the aryl group is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, halogen, OH, NO 2 , C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy;

L 2 is a bond;

L 3 is a bond, —(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-O—, —O—(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl, —(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-, —C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, —C(O)—, —(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-O—, —C(O)NH—, or —NHC(O)—;

L 4 —(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-S(O) u —(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-;

wherein u is 0, 1, or 2;

the A-ring is phenyl, naphthyl, isoindolyl, indolyl, benzofuranyl, or benzimidazolyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently, halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, C 1 C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;

Q is -heteroaryl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-aryl, -aryl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-heteroaryl, heteroaryl, or aryl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 groups that are independently alkoxycarbonyl, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, halogen, C 1 -C 6 alkanoyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, phenyl, C 1 C 6 alkanoyl;

Q 2 is and H or aryl, wherein the aryl is optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 groups that are independently C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, or halogen; and

Y and Y′ are independently a bond or (C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-.

2. A compound according to claim 1 , wherein

R 6 and R 7 are independently H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, phenyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkanoyl optionally substituted with 1 or 2 groups independently selected from amino, mono or dialkylamino, —NHphenyl, —N(C 1 -C 6 alkyl)aryl, and CO 2 H, phenyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkanoyl, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, benzimidazolylcarbonyl, benzofuranylcarbonyl, furanylcarbonyl, thiazolylcarbonyl, indolylcarbonyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, morpholinylcarbonyl, thiomorpholinylcarbonyl, thiomorpholinyl S,S dioxide-carbonyl, piperazinylcarbonyl, piperidinylcarbonyl, pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, pyridylcarbonyl, pyrazolylcarbonyl, —C(O)NH 2 , —C(O)NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —C(O)N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —C(═NH)NH 2 , —C(═N—C(O)C 1 -C 4 alkoxy)NH—C(O)C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, —SO 2 -phenyl, or —SO 2 -naphthyl wherein the cyclic portions of each of the above are optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently halogen, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, NO 2 , OH, CO 2 H, CN, C 1 -C 6 alkanoyl, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl or C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy; and

Q is -benzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -pyridyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -dibenzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, indolyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, benzo[b]thienyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -phenyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-benzofuranyl, indolyl, phenyl, benzo[d][1,3]dioxolyl, 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxinyl, dibenzothienyl, indolinyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, or dibenzofuranyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 groups that are independently alkoxycarbonyl, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, halogen, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 C 6 )alkyl, phenyl or C 1 -C 6 alkanoyl; and

Q 2 is H or phenyl.

3. A compound according to claim 2 , wherein

R 1 is H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, benzyl, or allyl;

R 20 , R 21 , R 22 , and R 23 are independently selected from H, benzyloxy, benzyl, halogen, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, OH, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, NH-aryl, N(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-aryl, —NHSO 2 -phenyl, —N(C 1 -C 4 alkyl)SO 2 phenyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, halogen, OH, NO 2 , C 1 -C 2 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 2 haloalkoxy;

the A-ring is phenyl, naphthyl, isoindolyl, indolyl, benzofuranyl, or benzimidazolyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently, halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, C 1 C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;

L 2 is a bond; and

L 3 is a bond, —(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-O—, —O—(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl, —(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-, or C(O).

4. A compound according to claim 3 , wherein

the A-ring is benzofuranyl, or benzimidazolyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently, halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 C 4 alkoxy, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl.

5. A compound according to claim 3 of the formula

wherein

n is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4;

each R 10 is independently H, halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;

Q is benzofuranyl-(C 1 C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -pyridyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -dibenzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, indolyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -phenyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-benzofuranyl, indolyl, phenyl, indolinyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, or dibenzofuranyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 groups that are independently C 1 -C 6 alkoxycarbonyl, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, halogen, C 1 -C 2 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 2 haloalkoxy, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or phenyl.

6. A compound according to claim 5 , wherein R 1 is H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, or benzyl,

R 6 and R 7 are independently H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, phenyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, (C 2 -C 6 )alkanoyl, phenyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkanoyl, (C 1 -C 6 ) alkoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, benzimidazolylcarbonyl, benzofuranylcarbonyl, thiazolylcarbonyl, indolylcarbonyl, morpholinylcarbonyl, thiomorpholinylcarbonyl, thiomorpholinyl S,S dioxide-carbonyl, piperazinylcarbonyl, piperidinylcarbonyl, pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, pyridylcarbonyl, pyrazolylcarbonyl, —C(O)NH 2 , —C(O)NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —(O)N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or —SO 2 -phenyl wherein the cyclic groups are optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, NO 2 , OH, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, C 1 -C 2 haloalkyl or C 1 -C 2 haloalkoxy.

7. A compound according to claim 6 , wherein

L 2 is a bond;

L 3 is a bond, —(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-O—, —O—(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl, or —(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-; and

L 4 —(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-S(O) u CH 2 ;

wherein u is 0, 1, or 2.

8. A compound according to claim 7 , of the formula

9. A compound according to claim 8 , wherein

Q is -benzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkylphenyl, -dibenzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, indolyl, phenyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, or dibenzofuranyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 groups that are independently C 1 -C 6 alkoxycarbonyl, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, halogen, CF 3 , OCF 3 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or phenyl.

10. A compound according to claim 9 , wherein

R 1 is H, or C 1 -C 6 alkyl;

R 6 is H;

at least one of R 20 and R 21 is H; and

L 4 is —CH 2 —S(O) U —CH 2 —;

wherein u is 0, 1, or 2.

11. A compound according to claim 10 , wherein

R 7 is C 1 -C 6 alkyl, (C 2 -C 6 )alkanoyl, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxycarbonyl, —C(O)NH 2 , —C(O)NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or —C(O)N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl.

12. A compound according to claim 10 , wherein

R 7 is phenyl (C 1 -C 4 )alkyl, phenyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkanoyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, benzimidazolylcarbonyl, benzofuranylcarbonyl, thiazolylcarbonyl, indolylcarbonyl, morpholinylcarbonyl, piperazinylcarbonyl, piperidinylcarbonyl, pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, or —SO 2 -phenyl wherein the cyclic groups are optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 C 4 alkoxy, NO 2 , OH, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, CF 3 or OCF 3 .

13. A compound according to claim 12 , wherein

Q is -benzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, indolyl, phenyl, or dibenzofuranyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 groups that are independently C 1 -C 6 alkoxycarbonyl, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, halogen, CF 3 , OCF 3 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl.

14. A compound according to claim 13 , wherein

R 7 is benzyl, phenyl(C 1 -C 4 )alkanoyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, or —SO 2 — phenyl wherein the cyclic groups are optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 groups that are independently halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, NO 2 , OH, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, CF 3 or OCF 3 .

15. A compound according to claim 1 of the formula:

wherein

R 20 , and R 21 are independently selected from H, benzyloxy, benzyl, halogen, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, OH, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, NH-phenyl, N(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-aryl, —NHSO 2 -phenyl, or —N(C 1 -C 4 alkyl)SO 2 phenyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, halogen, OH, NO 2 , C 1 -C 2 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 2 haloalkoxy.

16. A compound according to claim 15 , wherein

R 1 is H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl or benzyl;

R 7 is phenyl (C 1 -C 4 )alkyl, phenyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkanoyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, benzimidazolylcarbonyl, benzofuranylcarbonyl, thiazolylcarbonyl, indolylcarbonyl, morpholinylcarbonyl, piperazinylcarbonyl, piperidinylcarbonyl, pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, or —SO 2 -phenyl wherein the cyclic groups are optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, NO 2 , OH, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, CF 3 or OCF 3 .

17. A compound according to claim 16 , wherein

L 3 is a bond, —CH 2 —, or —(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl-O—;

Q is -benzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -pyridyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -dibenzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, indolyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -phenyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-benzofuranyl, indolyl, phenyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, or dibenzofuranyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 groups that are independently C 1 -C 6 alkoxycarbonyl, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, halogen, C 1 -C 2 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 2 haloalkoxy, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or phenyl; and

R 20 , and R 21 are independently selected from H, benzyloxy, benzyl, halogen, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, OH, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl.

18. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1 and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, carrier, adjuvant or excipient.

19. A compound according to claim 1 that is selected from the group consisting of

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-cysteine;

3-({[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}sulfinyl)-N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-alanine;

3-({[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}sulfonyl)-N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-alanine;

N-benzoyl-S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(3-phenylpropanoyl)-L-cysteine;

N-(1H-benzimidazol-5-ylcarbonyl)-S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-[(4-fluorophenyl)acetyl]-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-[(3-nitrophenyl)acetyl]-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(phenylacetyl)-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(1H-indol-5-ylcarbonyl)-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenylyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-[(4-nitrophenyl)acetyl]-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-[(2-nitrophenyl)acetyl]-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetyl]-L-cysteine;

N-acetyl-S-{[4-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenylyl-4-yl]methyl}-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-[(4-methoxyphenyl)acetyl]-L-cysteine;

N-[(4-aminophenyl)acetyl]-S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-L-cysteine;

N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-S-{[4′-(1H-indol-1-yl)biphenyl-4-yl ]methyl}-L-cysteine;

N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-({[4′-(1H-indol-1-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}sulfinyl)-L-alanine;

3-({[4′-(1H-indol-1-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}sulfinyl)-N-(phenylacetyl)-L-alanine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-[(4-methyl-3-nitrophenyl)sulfonyl]-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(methoxycarbonyl)-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(isobutoxycarbonyl)-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(morpholin-4-ylcarbonyl)-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-[(dimethylamino)carbonyl]-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(2benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-[(benzyloxy)carbonyl]-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(1H-indol-1-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(methoxycarbonyl)-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(1H-indol-1-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(isobutoxycarbonyl)-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(1H-indol-1-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(morpholin-4-ylcarbonyl)-L-cysteine;

methyl S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(phenylacetyl)-L-cysteinate;

methyl S-{[4′-(2-benzyl-1-benzofuran-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(3-phenylpropanoyl)-L-cysteinate;

S-{[4′-(1H-indol-1-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-[(3-nitrophenyl)acetyl]-L-cysteine;

S-{[4′-(1H-indol-1-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-N-(phenylacetyl)-L-cysteine;

N-[(dimethylamino)carbonyl]-S-{[4′-(1H-indol-1-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-L-cysteine;

3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-[(pyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-propionic acid;

N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-{[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]sulfonyl}-L-alanine;

2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

N-[(benzyloxy)carbonyl]-S-{[4′-(1H-indol-1-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}-L-cysteine;

N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-L-cysteine;

N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]cysteine;

N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-{[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]sulfonyl}alanine;

N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-{[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]sulfonyl}alanine;

N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-{[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]thio}valine;

N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-{[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]thio}valine;

N-(tertbutoxycarbonyl)-S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]cysteine;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-N-(3,3-dimethylbutanoyl)cysteine;

N-[(tert-butylamino)carbonyl]-S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]cysteine;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]cysteine;

N-[amino(imino)methyl]-S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]cysteine;

N-{(Z)-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino][(tert-butoxycarbonyl)imino]methyl}-S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]cysteine;

N-benzoyl-S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]cysteine;

2-{[(2-{[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]thio}-1-carboxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}benzoic acid;

4-[[[1-carboxy-2-[[[4′-(4-dibenzofuranyl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]thio]ethyl]amino]carbonyl]-benzoic acid;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4yl)methyl]-N-(4-nitrobenzoyl)cysteine;

N-(4-cyanobenzoyl)-S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]cysteine;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-N-(4-fluorobenzoyl)cysteine;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-N-(2,4-difluorobenzoyl)cysteine;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-N-(2,4,6-trifluorobenzoyl)cysteine;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl4yl)methyl]-N-[2-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]cysteine;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-N-[2-fluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]cysteine;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-N-(4-methoxybenzoyl)cysteine;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-N-(pyridin-3-ylcarbonyl)cysteine;

N-phenylglycyl-S-[(4-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]cysteine;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-N-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]acetyl}cysteine;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-N-[(4-fluorophenyl)acetyl]cysteine;

N-[(1-acetyl-5-hydroxypyrrolidin-3-yl)carbonyl]-S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]cysteine;

N-[(1-acetylpyrrolidin-3-yl)carbonyl]-5-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]cysteine;

S-[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-N-[(1,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)carbonyl]cysteine;

4-[(2-{[(4′-dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-ylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]thio}-1-carboxyethyl)amino]-4-oxobutanoic acid;

2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3 (4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-3-fluoro-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzylamino)-propionic acid;

3-(2-Acetyl-[1,1′; 4′,1″]terphenyl-4″-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-propionic acid;

2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(2-methoxy-[1,1′; 4′,1″]terphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)propionic acid;

2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4-dibenzothiophen-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)propionic acid;

2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-3,3-dimethylpropanoic acid methyl ester;

2 tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4yl-biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-3,3-dimethylpropanoic acid;

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

20. A compound according to claim 1 that is selected from the group consisting of:

3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(2-fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl-benzoylamino)-propionic acid;

(2R)-Methyl-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4′-indol-1-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionate;

(2R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4′-indol-1-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)propionic acid;

(2R)-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4′-indol-1-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-Methyl-2-amino-3-[4′indol-1-yl-biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]propionate;

(2R)-3-(4′-Indol-1-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-[2-(3-nitrophenyl)acetylamino]-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Indol-1-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-phenylacetylamino-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Indol-1-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-methoxycarbonylamino-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Indol-1-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-isobutoxycarbonylamino-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Indol-1-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-[morpholine-4-carbonyl)-amino]-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-(3, 3-Dimethylureido)-3-(4′-indol-1-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-Benzyloxycarbonylamino-3-(4′-Indol-1-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Indol-1-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-[2-(3-nitrophenyl)acetylamino]-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Indol-1-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-phenylacetylamino-propionic acid;

(2R)-Methyl-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionate;

(2R)-2-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-3-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-3-fluorobiphenyl-4-ylmethyl-sulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-Methyl-2-amino-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-ylbiphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionate;

(2R)-2-Amino-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-ylbiphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(2,4-difluorobenzoyl-amino)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(4-nitrobenzoyl-amino)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-[(pyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-propionic acid;

N-[1-Carboxy-2-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-ethyl]-tere-phthalic acid;

(2R)-2-Benzoylamino-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(2-fluoro-5-trifluoromethylbenzoylamino)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylbenzoylamino)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(4-fluorophenylacetyl-amino)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(4-methoxybenzoyl-amino)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(2,4,6-trifluoro-benzoyl-amino)-propionic acid;

(2R,2′S)-2-[(1-Acetylpyrollidine-2-carbonyl)amino]-3-(4-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(2phenylamino-acetyl-amino)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-[2-(3-(trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-acetylamino]-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenylyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2[(1,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonyl)-amino]-propionic acid;

(1′R)-N-[2-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-1-methoxycarbonyl-ethyl]-succinamic acid

(1′R)-N-[1-Carboxy-2-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-1-ethyl]-succinamic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(4-fluorobenzoyl-amino)-propionic acid;

(1′R)-N-[2-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-1-methoxycarbonyl-ethyl]-phthalic acid;

(1′R)-N-[1-Carboxy-2-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-ethyl]-phthalic acid;

(2R)-2-(4-Cyanobenzoylamino-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethyl-sulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(3,3-dimethylbutyryl-amino)-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-(3-tert-Butyl-ureido)-3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-[2,3-bis-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)guanidino-]3-(4′-dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-guanidino-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-(4′-Dibenzofuran-4-ylbiphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl-amino)-propionic acid;

(2R)-Methyl-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-tert-butoxycarbonylaminopropionate;

(2R)-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-tert-butoxy-carbonylamino-propionic acid;

(2R,4RS)-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfinyl]-2-tert-butoxycarbonylaminopropionic acid;

(2R)-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-tert-butoxycarbonylaminopropionic acid;

(2R)-Methyl-2-Amino-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-propionate;

(2R)-2-Benzoylamino-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-Phenylacetylamino-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethyl-sulfanyl]-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-{3-Phenylpropionoylamino-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]}-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-[(3H-Benzoimidazole-5-carbonyl)amino]-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]}-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-(4-Fluorophenylacetylamino)-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-(3-Nitrophenylacetylamino)-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-[(1H-Indole-5-carbonyl)amino]-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]}-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-(4-Nitrophenylacetylamino)-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-(2-Nitrophenylacetylamino)-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-(4-Hydroxyphenylacetylamino)-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-Acetylamino-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-(4-Methoxyphenylacetylamino)-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-propionic acid;

(2R)-2-(4-Aminophenylacetylamino)-3-[4′-(2-benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-[4′-(2-Benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methoxy-carbonylaminopropionic acid;

(2R)-3-[4′-(2-Benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-isobutoxy-carbonylaminopropionic acid;

(2R)-3-[4′-(2-Benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-[(morpholine-4-carbonyl)amino]propionic acid;

(2R)-3-[4′-(2-Benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-(3,3-dimethyl-ureido)-propionic acid;

(2R)-3-[4′-(2-Benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-benzyloxy-carbonylaminopropionic acid;

(2R)-3-[4′-(2-Benzylbenzofuran-3-yl)biphen-4-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-(4-methyl-3-nitrobenzenesulfonylamino)-propionic acid;

3-(4′-Benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-tert-butoxycarbonyl amino-propionic acid methyl ester;

3-(4′-Benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-propionic acid;

3-(2″-Acetyl-[1,1′,4′1″]terphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-propionic acid methyl ester;

3-(2″-Acetyl-[1,1′,4′1″]terphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-propionic acid;

2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(2″-methoxy-[1,1′,4′,1″]terphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid methyl ester;

2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(2″-methoxy-[1,1′,4′,1″]terphenyl-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)-propionic acid;

2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4′-dibenzothiophen-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethyl-sufanyl)-propionic acid methyl ester;

2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-3-(4′-dibenzothiophen-4-yl-biphenyl-4-ylmethyl-sufanyl)-propionic acid;

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

21. A compound according to claim 7 , of the formula

22. A compound according to claim 21 , of the formula

23. A compound according to claim 22 , wherein

R 1 is H;

L 3 is a bond, —CH 2 —, or —(C 1 -C 2 )alkyl-O—;

n is 1, 2 or 3;

R 10 is independently halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, CF 3 , OCF 3 , NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl; and

Q is -benzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, indolyl, phenyl, or dibenzofuranyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 groups that are independently C 1 -C 6 alkoxycarbonyl, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, halogen, CF 3 , OCF 3 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl.

24. A compound according to claim 2 , of the formula

wherein

n is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4;

L 3 is a bond;

R 1 is H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, phenyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or C 3 -C 6 alkenyl;

R 6 and R 7 are independently H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, aryl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, (C 2 -C 6 )alkanoyl, aryl (C 1 -C 6 )alkanoyl, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxycarbonyl, arylalkoxycarbonyl, heteroarylcarbonyl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkylcarbonyl, —C(O)NH 2 , —C(O)NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —C(O)N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or —SO 2 -aryl, wherein the cyclic groups are optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, NO 2 , OH, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy;

each R 10 is independently H, halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;

R 20 , R 21 , R 22 , and R 23 are independently selected from H, arylalkoxy, arylalkyl, halogen, alkyl, OH, alkoxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;

Q is -benzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -pyridyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -dibenzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, indolyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -phenyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-benzofuranyl, indolyl, phenyl, indolinyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, or dibenzofuranyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 groups that are independently C 1 -C 6 alkoxycarbonyl, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, halogen, C 1 -C 2 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 2 haloalkoxy, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or phenyl; and

Y′ is a bond or —(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-.

25. A compound according to claim 24 , wherein

R 1 is H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, benzyl, or allyl;

R 23 is H;

R 6 and R 7 are independently H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, phenyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, (C 2 C 6 )alkanoyl, phenyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkanoyl, (C 1 -C 6 ) alkoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, benzimidazolylcarbonyl, benzofuranylcarbonyl, thiazolylcarbonyl, indolylcarbonyl, morpholinylcarbonyl, thiomorpholinylcarbonyl, thiomorpholinyl S,S dioxide-carbonyl, piperazinylcarbonyl, piperidinylcarbonyl, pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, —C(O)NH 2 , —C(O)NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, —C(O)N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or —SO 2 — phenyl wherein the cyclic groups are optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, NO 2 , OH, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, C 1 -C 2 haloalkyl or C 1 -C 2 haloalkoxy.

26. A compound according to claim 25 , of the formula

27. A compound according to claim 26 , wherein

Q is -benzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -dibenzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, indolyl, phenyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, or dibenzofuranyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 groups that are independently C 1 -C 6 alkoxycarbonyl, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, halogen, CF 3 , OCF 3 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or phenyl.

28. A compound according to claim 27 , wherein

R 1 is H, or C 1 -C 6 alkyl; R 6 is H; and at least one of R 20 and R 21 is H.

29. A compound according to claim 28 , wherein

R 7 is C 1 -C 6 alkyl, (C 2 -C 6 )alkanoyl, (C 1 -C 6 )alkoxycarbonyl, —C(O)NH 2 , —C(O)NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or —C(O)N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl.

30. A compound according to claim 29 , of the formula

31. A compound according to claim 24 , of the formula

wherein

R 20 , and R 21 are independently selected from H, benzyloxy, benzyl, halogen, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, OH, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;

R 1 is H, C 1 -C 4 alkyl or benzyl; and R 7 is phenyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, phenyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkanoyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, benzimidazolylcarbonyl, benzofuranylcarbonyl, thiazolylcarbonyl, indolylcarbonyl, morpholinylcarbonyl, piperazinylcarbonyl, piperidinylcarbonyl, pyrrolidinylcarbonyl, or —SO 2 -phenyl wherein the cyclic groups are optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, NO 2 , OH, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, CF 3 or OCF 3 .

32. A compound according to claim 31 , wherein

Q is -benzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, -dibenzofuranyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl-phenyl, indolyl, phenyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, or dibenzofuranyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 groups that are independently C 1 -C 6 alkoxycarbonyl, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, halogen, CF 3 , OCF 3 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or phenyl.

33. A compound according to claim 32 , wherein

n is 0, 1, or 2;

each R 10 is independently H, halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, CF 3 , OCF 3 , NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl; and R 20 , and R 21 are independently selected from H, benzyloxy, benzyl, halogen, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, OH, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, NO 2 , NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, or N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl;

L 3 is a bond; R 1 is H; R 20 is H; and

R 7 is benzyl, phenyl(C 1 -C 6 )alkanoyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxycarbonyl, pyridylcarbonyl, benzimidazolylcarbonyl, thiazolylcarbonyl, indolylcarbonyl, morpholinylcarbonyl, or —SO 2 -phenyl, wherein each cyclic groups is optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 groups that are independently halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, NO 2 , OH, NH 2 , NH(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, N(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl, CF 3 or OCF 3 .

34. A method of treating diabetes comprising administering a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of a compound of claim 1 to a patient in need of such treatment.