The invention provides 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl
peptide compounds of Formula Iand the pharmaceutically salts and hydrates thereof.The variables R1-R9, R16, R18, R19, n, M, n, M, and Z are defined herein. Certain compounds of Formula I are useful as antiviral agents. Certain 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl
peptide compounds disclosed herein are potent and / or selective inhibitors of
viral replication, particularly
Hepatitis C
virus replication. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl
peptide compounds and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Such pharmaceutical compositions may contain 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptide compound as the only
active agent or may contain a combination of 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptide containing peptides compound and one or more other pharmaceutically active agents. The invention also provides methods for treating viral infections, including
Hepatitis C infections, in mammals.