Abstract An efficient synthesis of a novel class of potent macrocylic renin inhibitors exemplified by compounds 1 and 2, which involves the marcocyclization of 8 and 9 as the key step, is described. The macrocyclic design of renin inhibitors 1 and 2 disclosed here incorporates (2R, 3S)-3-amino-4-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxybutanoic acid (norACHPA) as the transition-state isostere. Determination of stereochemistry of the substituent R ( ...