LY2300559 is a dual metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) positive allosteric modulator and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLTR1) antagonist. Eli Lilly was developing LY2300559 for the prevention of migraine. LY2300559 development has been discontinued.

N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid is an amino acid derivative acting as a specific agonist at the NMDA receptor, and therefore mimics the action of the neurotransmitter glutamate on that receptor. Unlike glutamate, NMDA only binds to and regulates the NMDA receptor and has no effect on other glutamate receptors (such as those for AMPA and kainate). NMDA receptors are particularly important when they become overactive during withdrawal from alcohol as this causes symptoms such as agitation and, sometimes, epileptiform seizures. NMDA is a water-soluble synthetic substance that is not normally found in biological tissue.

Dizocilpine (MK-801) is an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the glutamate category involved with the central nervous system (CNS). The drug displays a variety of physiological actions, many of which involve the CNS, such as anesthetic and anticonvulsant properties. It penetrates readily into CNS and was described as the agent with central sympathomimetic properties. Co-administration of dizocilpine with psychostimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamine and nicotine, has been reported to prevent the development of behavioural sensitization to these drugs as well as associated neuroadaptations in rodents. However, studies with bromocriptine have suggested that co-administration of dizocilpine might merely cause sensitization to become state-dependent. A single injection of MK-801 to rats models both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Treatment of mice with dizocilpine induced learning impairment.

Pinocembrin (5,7-dihydroxyflavanone) is one of the primary flavonoids isolated from the variety of plants, mainly from Pinus heartwood, Eucalyptus, Populus, Euphorbia, and Sparattosperma leucanthum. Pinocembrin is a major flavonoid molecule incorporated as multifunctional in the pharmaceutical industry. Its vast range of pharmacological activities has been well researched including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. In addition, pinocembrin can be used as neuroprotective against cerebral ischemic injury with a wide therapeutic time window, which may be attributed to its antiexcitotoxic effects.

(R)-Norfluoxetine is a pharmacologically active metabolite of Fluoxetine that is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. (R)-Norfluoxetine was being investigated by Eli Lilly and Company for treatment pain and drug abuse, but future development was discontinued.

(±)-quinuclidinyl benzilate (3-quinuclidinyl benzilate), is a specific muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist. It binds potently but reversibly to the muscarinic cholinergic receptors of mammalian brain and peripheral tissues. 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate was invented by Hoffmann-La Roche Inc in 1951, while investigating antispasmodic agents resembling tropine for the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. In the 1960s 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate, was developed and weaponized as a new chemical agent for battlefield use as a psychochemical. Assigned the NATO code BZ it is classified as a hallucinogenic chemical warfare agent that affects both the peripheral and central nervous systems (CNS). It is one of the most potent anticholinergic psychomimetics known, with only small doses necessary to produce incapacitation. The primary route of absorption is through the respiratory system but absorption also can occur through the skin or gastrointestinal tract. BZ is odorless and is usually disseminated as an aerosol. Data regarding the health effects of BZ in humans following inhalation exposure are limited to military application studies. Pharmacologic activity of 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate is similar to other anticholinergic drugs (eg, atropine) but with a much longer duration of action. It was shown that I[3H]-3-quinuclidinyl benzilate accumulated in various brain regions after intravenous injection. The specific binding of [3-3H]3-quinuclidinyl-benzilate and [125I]3-quinuclidinyl-(3-iodo-4-hydroxy-benzilate) to rat brain subcellular fractions is parallel in myelin, synaptic plasma membrane and mitochondrial fractions with a 3-4-fold enrichment observed in synaptic plasma membrane over crude mitochondrial fractions. These findings suggested the use of 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate as a binding probe useful in assaying low levels of muscarinic receptor in tissue culture and other biological sources including labeling the receptor in vivo for autoradiographic studies. M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M2 receptor), essential for the physiologic control of cardiovascular function through activation of G protein-coupled inwardly-rectifying potassium channels, was shown to bind 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate with high affinity in vitro.

BMS-191011, an opener of the cloned large-conductance, Ca2+-activated potassium (maxi-K) channel, demonstrated efficacy in in vivo stroke models, which led to its nomination as a candidate for clinical evaluation. Its maxi-K channel opening properties were consistent with its structural topology, being derived by combining elements from other known maxi-K openers. BMS-191011 demonstrated efficacy as an opener of the cloned large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (maxi-K) channel in in vivo stroke models

Avasimibe (CI 1011) is a potent ACAT (Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase) inhibitor. Avasimibe inhibits both ACAT1 and ACAT2 isoforms. Avasimibe was in development by Parke-Davis (now Pfizer) in the US for the treatment of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidaemia. Avasimibe was in phase III studies and more than 1300 patients had been treated for up to one year, however, in October 2003, Pfizer announced that development had been discontinued.

NSI-189 is a novel oral drug which was developed by Neuralstem for the treatment of cognitive disorders. Now the drug is being tested in phase II of clinical trials in patients suffering from major depressive disorder. The mechanism of NSI-189 action is explained by its ability to stimulate the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus, however the exact target molecule is still unknown.

LY-2456302 or CERC-501 (now JNJ-67953964) is a non-peptide, centrally-penetrant, potent, short-acting kappa opioid receptor (KOR)-selective antagonist with pharmacokinetic properties favorable for clinical development and activity in animal models predictive of efficacy in mood and addictive disorders. It is under development for depression and substance abuse disorders.