The present invention relates to compounds of formula I-A and I-B that inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus NS3-NS4A protease. As such, they act by interfering with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The invention further relates to compositions comprising these compounds either for ex vivo use for administration to a patient suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a patient by administering a composition comprising a compound of this invention. The invention further relates to processes for preparing these compounds.本發明係關於抑制絲胺酸蛋白酶活性(尤其是C型肝炎病毒NS3-NS4A蛋白酶活性)之化合物。如此，其係藉由干擾C型肝炎病毒之生命週期而起作用，並亦可作為抗病毒劑。本發明進一步係關於包含該等化合物之組合物，其係用於體外活體樣品應用或投與身受HCV感染之苦之患者。本發明亦關於藉由投與包含本發明化合物之組合物以治療HCV感染患者之方法。本發明進一步係關於用以製備該等化合物之方法。
