A cyclic amide derivative of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a substituted alkyl group, a substituted alkenyl group, a substituted amino group, a substituted alkoxyl group, a substituted alkylthio group, a substituted carbamoyl group, a substituted sulfonamide group or a substituted amide group; the ring A represents a saturated cyclic alkyl group with 5 to 7 carbon atoms or a hetero-atom-containing saturated heterocyclic group with 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom, a group represented by the general formula R.sup.4 O-- or a group represented by the general formula R.sup.5 (R.sup.6)N-- wherein R.sup.4 represents hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group. The cyclic amide derivative of formula (I) have a strong and selective inhibitory action of a cathepsin K and a clinical efficacy when administered orally.