Cell-penetrating inhibitors of calpain.

Inhibitors of the calcium-dependent cysteine protease calpain are described that are new analogs of the naturally-occurring compounds E-64 and leupeptin. These new derivatives, unlike the parent compounds, can inhibit calpain within cells. Their lack of charged groups probably accounts for this improved membrane permeability. These new inhibitors are proving useful in exploration of the role of calpain in many cellular processes, including platelet activation.