Hydroxychloroquine possesses antimalarial properties and also exerts a beneficial effect in lupus erythematosus (chronic discoid or systemic) and acute or chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, it may be based on ability of hydroxychloroquine to bind to and alter DNA. Hydroxychloroquine has also has been found to be taken up into the acidic food vacuoles of the parasite in the erythrocyte. This increases the pH of the acid vesicles, interfering with vesicle functions and possibly inhibiting phospholipid metabolism. In suppressive treatment, hydroxychloroquine inhibits the erythrocytic stage of development of plasmodia. In acute attacks of malaria, it interrupts erythrocytic schizogony of the parasite. Its ability to concentrate in parasitized erythrocytes may account for their selective toxicity against the erythrocytic stages of plasmodial infection. As an antirheumatic, hydroxychloroquine is thought to act as a mild immunosuppressant, inhibiting the production of rheumatoid factor and acute phase reactants. It also accumulates in white blood cells, stabilizing lysosomal membranes and inhibiting the activity of many enzymes, including collagenase and the proteases that cause cartilage breakdown. Hydroxychloroquine is used for the suppressive treatment and treatment of acute attacks of malaria due to Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and susceptible strains of P. falciparum. It is also indicated for the treatment of discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

CPG-52364 is a potent antagonist of toll-like receptors TLR7, TLR8, TLR9. The drug was developed by Coley Pharmaceutical Group (later acquired by Pfizer) for the treatment of immune diseases and reached phase I of clinical trials presumably for systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the development of CPG-52364 was terminated by unknown reason.

Solcitinib (also known as GSK2586184 or GLPG0778) is a selective Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, for the treatment of psoriasis, lupus, and ulcerative colitis. Galapagos NV's collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline has hit a roadblock. It was reported that its Big Pharma partner had hit the brakes on a Phase II study of GSK2586184 for lupus after a first look at the data failed to demonstrate a positive effect. And an exploratory Phase I/II of the same drug for ulcerative colitis was put on hold as investigators review the program.

NDT 9513727 is small molecule, orally bioavailable, selective, and potent inverse agonist of the human C5aR. NDT 9513727 inhibited C5a-stimulated responses, including guanosine 5’-3-O-(thio)triphosphate binding, Ca2+ mobilization, oxidative burst, degranulation, cell surface CD11b expression and chemotaxis in various cell types. NDT 9513727 has been shown to effectively inhibit C5a-induced neutropenia in gerbil and cynomolgus macaque in vivo. These results suggest that NDT 9513727 is a promising candidate for the treatment of human inflammatory diseases.

IC87114 is a PI3K-delta-specific inhibitor, which inhibits PI3K-delta 58-fold more potently than PI3K-gamma, and over 100-fold more potently than PI3K-alpha and PI3K-beta. Pharmacological investigations on IC87114 originally focused on its effect against inflammation and autoimmune diseases. IC87114 treatment dramatically blocked amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, suggestive of antipsychotic potential. In addition, IC87114 exhibited promising therapeutic effect in a murine asthma model.

Y-27632, originally synthesized by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, is a selective and a strong ROCK inhibitor, which activates the ROCK signal cascade. It was found, that the inhibition of ROCK was beneficial for the prevention of systemic lupus erythematosus, which possibly by suppressing NF-κB activation. Y-27632 can promote both the ex vivo and in vitro proliferation of limbal epithelial cell proliferation. The in vivo enhanced epithelial wound healing further implies that the Y-27632 may act as a new strategy for treating limbal stem cell deficiency. Preliminary human cases confirmed that ROCK inhibitor eye drops were considered effective for treatment of corneal edema associated with cataract surgery.

PRT062607 (BIIB-057; P 50515 PRT-2607; PRT062607) is a highly specific and potent inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk). PRT062607 (BIIB-057) has a desirable pharmacokinetics profile and is capable of safely, potently, and selectively suppressing SYK kinase function in humans following once-daily oral dosing. The compound is being evaluated for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases; including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Phase I development is underway in the US and the UK for the treatment of patients with inflammation and cancer. Phase I development is also being conducted in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, presumably in the US.

Pantothenic acid (known as Vitamin B5) is a water-soluble member of the B-vitamin family that is converted into 4’-phosphopantetheine, which is then converted to co-enzyme A (CoA) via adenosine triphosphate. Pantothenic acid regulates epidermal barrier function and keratinocytes differentiation via CoA metabolism. Pantothenic acid is incorporated into co-enzyme A and protects cells against peroxidative damage by increasing the level of glutathione. A recent feasibility study has also shown that daily oral supplementation of a nutritional agent containing pantothenic acid for 8 weeks was feasible and safe. It was discovered the different pharmacological implementation of pantothenic acid, such as treatment of acne, obesity. Existed some reports, mentioned efficacy using pantothenic acid in systemic lupus erythematosus. Significant reduction in morning stiffness, degree of disability, and severity of pain was reported for persons taking pantothenic acid in case of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin B5 may increase the effects of a group of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors, which are used to treat Alzheimer's disease. That might lead to severe side effects.

Frentizole, a nontoxic antiviral and immunosuppressive agent, was used clinically in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Frentizole was more effective in suppressing human lymphocytes responding to Con A and PWM, than it was in cells activated by PHA, specific antigen, or alloantigen. Methylprednisolone, on the other hand, was more inhibitory for cells stimulated by PHA, specific antigen, or alloantigen. Frentizole, even at super immunosuppressive doses, does not predispose the hose (mice) to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, herpes simplex virus, or Ann Arbor influenza virus. Frentizole is an inhibitor of the Aβ-ABAD interaction.

Hydroxychloroquine possesses antimalarial properties and also exerts a beneficial effect in lupus erythematosus (chronic discoid or systemic) and acute or chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, it may be based on ability of hydroxychloroquine to bind to and alter DNA. Hydroxychloroquine has also has been found to be taken up into the acidic food vacuoles of the parasite in the erythrocyte. This increases the pH of the acid vesicles, interfering with vesicle functions and possibly inhibiting phospholipid metabolism. In suppressive treatment, hydroxychloroquine inhibits the erythrocytic stage of development of plasmodia. In acute attacks of malaria, it interrupts erythrocytic schizogony of the parasite. Its ability to concentrate in parasitized erythrocytes may account for their selective toxicity against the erythrocytic stages of plasmodial infection. As an antirheumatic, hydroxychloroquine is thought to act as a mild immunosuppressant, inhibiting the production of rheumatoid factor and acute phase reactants. It also accumulates in white blood cells, stabilizing lysosomal membranes and inhibiting the activity of many enzymes, including collagenase and the proteases that cause cartilage breakdown. Hydroxychloroquine is used for the suppressive treatment and treatment of acute attacks of malaria due to Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and susceptible strains of P. falciparum. It is also indicated for the treatment of discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.