A potent and novel class of phosphinic acid derived product-like inhibitors of the HCV NS3/4A protease was discovered previously. Modification of the phosphinic acid and quinoline heterocycle led to GS-9256 with potent cell-based activity and favorable pharmacokinetic parameters. Based on these attributes, GS-9256 was advanced to human clinical trial as a treatment for chronic infection with genotype 1 HCV.