Amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer s disease (AD), particularly as oligomers or polymers that are correlated with Abeta cellular toxicity. Inhibition of the formation of toxic forms of Abeta has therefore emerged as one approach to the treatment of AD. This article reviews efforts to adapt the structure of Abeta to the design and testing of peptide-based inhibitors of Abeta polymerization of interest as potential AD therapeutics.