The total synthesis of a trifluoromethyl (Tfm) analogue of the aspartate protease inhibitor Pepstatin has been accomplished via incorporation of two alpha-Tfm-amino beta-hydroxy peptide isosteres instead of the natural statine units. The title compound as well as several Tfm-substituted precursors did not show anti-HIV activity. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.