We here report the design and synthesis of selective human lysosomal sialidase (NEU1) inhibitors. A series of amide-linked C9 modified DANA (2-deoxy-2,3-dehydro-N-acetylneuraminic acid) analogues were synthesized and their inhibitory activities against all four human sialidases (NEU1-NEU4) were determined. Structure-based approach was used to investigate the basis of selectivity of the compounds with experimentally observed activity. Results from the present study are found to be informative in a qualitative manner for the further design of isoform selective human sialidase inhibitors for therapeutic value.