The present invention relates to inhibiting the activity of non-genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A protease activity. More particularly, the invention relates to inhibiting the activity of the protease from HCV genotype-2 or HCV genotype-3. The methods of the invention emply inhibitors that act by interfering with the life cycle of the HCV and are also useful as antiviral agents. The invention further relates to compositions comprising such compounds either for ex vivo use or for administration to a patient suffering from genotype-2 or genotype-3 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.
