Selonsertib, also known as GS-4997, is a small-molecule inhibitor of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), which promotes inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis in settings of increased oxidative stress associated with NASH pathogenesis. GS-4997 prevents the production of inflammatory cytokines, down-regulates the expression of genes involved in fibrosis, suppresses excessive apoptosis and inhibits cellular proliferation. GS-4997 is currently being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 2 study in patients with NASH and moderate to severe liver fibrosis.

ICI-118551 is a selective β2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, that was originally developed for the regulation of blood pressure. ICI-118551 crosses the blood-brain barrier and it was in phase I clinical trials for the treatment of chronic anxiety. Currently, ICI-118,551 has no known therapeutic use in humans although it has been used widely in research to understand the action of the β2 adrenergic receptor, as few other specific antagonists for this receptor are known.

IMD-0354 is an inhibitor of IκB kinase-β (IKKβ) that blocks NF-κB nuclear translocation. Attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by decreasing expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and P-selectin and inhibiting cytokine and chemokine production in cardiomyocytes. Induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HMC-1 and breast cancer cells. IMD-0354 had been in phase I clinical trials for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

alpha-Solanine, a naturally occurring steroidal glycoalkaloid in potato sprouts, was found to possess anti-carcinogenic properties, such as inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of tumor cells. Human intake of high doses of alpha-Solanine has led to acute intoxication, in severe cases coma and death. The ratio of a-solanine to a-chaconine may determine the degree and nature of the glycoalkaloid toxicity in potatoes, as the toxicity of the two alkaloids act synergistically. alpha-Solanine can inhibit cholinesterase, disrupt cell membranes, and cause birth defects. Some studies suggests that the toxic mechanism of solanine is caused by the chemical's interaction with mitochondrial membranes. Experiments show that solanine exposure opens the potassium channels of mitochondria, decreasing their membrane potential. This, in turn, leads to K+ being transported from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm, and this increased concentration of K+ in the cytoplasm triggers cell damage and apoptosis.

Epichatechin is one of the 4 catechin diastereoisomers. It can be isolated from a number of species of Palmae, as well as Dryas octopetala and guarana seeds. Epicatechin has been widely studied as a potential therapeutic compound in a wide variety of conditions including cancers, diabetes, heart conditions, and neurological conditions. Epicatechin is available as a natural health supplement and marketed for bodybuilding and the treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, immune support, low testosterone, high blood sugar, and improved memory.

Sitaxentan (TBC11251, trade name Thelin) is a potent and selective Endothelin A receptor antagonist. Sitaxentan was under development by Encysive Pharmaceuticals (now Pfizer) for use in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure and asthma. It was launched in the major markets of the European Union (EU) under name Thelin for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. In December 2010, Pfizer discontinued clinical trials of sitaxentan worldwide and initiated voluntary product withdrawal from markets where it is approved due to life-threatening idiosyncratic risk of liver injury.

Tezosentan (Veletri; Ro 61–0612) is a dual endothelin receptor antagonist that has been shown to improve cardiac output, decrease pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and reduce pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance in initial clinical studies in acutely decompensated heart failure. Tezosentan is a water-soluble ET-1 receptor antagonist with high affinity to both ETA and ETB receptors but greater potency for the ETA receptor subtype. Clinical studies demonstrated mixed results for Tezosentan regarding its efficacy and tolerability in the management of decompensated heart failure. The side effects of Tezosentan include a headache, nausea, and hypotension.

Ubenimex is a dipeptide, which specificallyinhibits the activity of leukotriene A4 hydrolase, aminopeptidase B and leucine aminopeptidase of the cell membrane. The drug was isolated from Streptomyces oliooreticuli in 1976 in Nippon Kayaku, Japan and approved for the treatment of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia under the name Bestatin. In the USA the drug is currentlu in Phase II for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and lymphedema.

Ambrisentan (alternative Names: BSF 208075; GSK 1325760; GSK1325760A; Letairis) is an endothelin receptor antagonist that is selective for the endothelin type-A (ETA) receptor. The chemical name of ambrisentan is (+)-(2S)-2-[(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)oxy]-3-methoxy-3,3-diphenylpropanoic acid. Ambrisentan is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is approved in Europe, Canada and the United States for use as a single agent to improve exercise ability and delay clinical worsening. In addition, it is approved in the United States for use in combination with tadalafil to reduce the risks of disease progression, hospitalization and to improve exercise ability. As an endothelin receptor antagonist, ambrisentan prevents endogenous endothelin peptide from constricting the muscles in blood vessels, allowing them to relax and permit a reduction in blood pressure. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent autocrine and paracrine peptide. Two receptor subtypes, ETA and ETB, mediate the effects of ET-1 in the vascular smooth muscle and endothelium. The primary actions of ETA are vasoconstriction and cell proliferation, while the predominant actions of ETB are vasodilation, antiproliferation, and ET-1 clearance. In patients with PAH, plasma ET-1 concentrations are increased as much as 10-fold and correlate with increased mean right atrial pressure and disease severity. ET-1 and ET-1 mRNA concentrations are increased as much as 9-fold in the lung tissue of patients with PAH, primarily in the endothelium of pulmonary arteries. These findings suggest that ET-1 may play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of PAH. Ambrisentan is a high-affinity (Ki=0.011 nM) ETA receptor antagonist with a high selectivity for the ETA versus ETB receptor (>4000-fold). The clinical impact of high selectivity for ETA is not known.

Iloprost is a second generation structural analog of prostacyclin (PGI) with about ten-fold greater potency than the first generation stable analogs, such as carbaprostacyclin. Iloprost binds with equal affinity to human prostacyclin (Prostanoid IP) and prostaglandin EP1 receptors. Iloprost constricts the ilium and fundus circular smooth muscle as strongly as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) itself. Iloprost inhibits the ADP, thrombin, and collagen-induced aggregation of human platelets. In whole animals, iloprost acts as a vasodilator, hypotensive, antidiuretic, and prolongs bleeding time. All of these properties help to antagonize the pathological changes that take place in the small pulmonary arteries of patients with pulmonary hypertension. Used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.