Synthesis of all the stereoisomers of statine (4-amino-3-hydroxy-6-methylheptanoic acid). Inhibition of pepsin activity by N-carbobenzoxy-L-valyl-L-valyl-statine derived from the four stereoisomers.

Synthesis of all four stereoisomers of the novel amino acid statine, 4-amino-3-hydroxy-6-methylheptanoic acid, found in pepstatin, a potent acid protease inhibitor, has been accomplished. Carbobenzoxy-L-valyl-L-valyl-statine tripeptides derived from all four stereoisomers have been prepared and their effect on pepsin activity is compared to that of pepstatin.