PD-0325901 is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MAPK/ERK kinases or MEK) with potential antineoplastic activity. MEK inhibitor PD325901, a derivative of MEK inhibitor CI-1040, selectively binds to and inhibits MEK, which may result in the inhibition of the phosphorylation and activation of MAPK/ERK and the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. PD-0325901 is tested in clinical trials against non-small cell lung cancer, neurofibromatosis, melanoma and breast cancer.

Xanomeline (LY-246,708) is an orthosteric muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonist, often referred to as M1/M4-preferring. It is also known to act as a M5 receptor antagonist. Xanomeline was studied in clinical trials phase I in schizophrenia. In Phase II clinical trials in Alzheimer’s patients, xanomeline significantly improved several measures of cognitive function, yet produced unwanted side effects that limited patient compliance. The side effects seem to be associated with rapid metabolism of the alkyloxy side chain following oral administration, resulting in a nonselective, yet active compound with limited therapeutic utility. Despite a second Phase II clinical trial with a patch formulation, the liabilities of xanomeline still outweigh its benefits.

SSR-125543 is a potent, selective, and orally active corticotropin-releasing factor 1 receptor (CRF1) antagonist (Ki value of 2nM). SSR-125543 attenuates long-term cognitive deficit induced by acute inescapable stress in mice, independently from the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. SSR-125543 prevents stress-induced cognitive deficit associated with hippocampal dysfunction. SSR-125543 had been in phase II clinical trials by Sanofi for the treatment of Post-traumatic stress disorder. It is also in phase I trials for the treatment of anxiety. The compound had also been in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of major depression. However, in 2011, the research was discontinued.

MGL-3196 is a first-in-class, orally administered, small-molecule, liver-directed, THR β-selective agonist. Preclinical, toxicology and Phase 1 clinical data suggest MGL-3196 has an attractive, differentiated profile as a potential treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and dyslipidemias. THR-β selectivity also enhances the safety profile of MGL-3196, compared to non-selective agents. MGL-3196 has shown no suppression of the central thyroid axis, no THR-α effects on heart rate or bone, and no elevation of liver enzymes. These characteristics make MGL-3196 among the most promising molecules in development in this therapeutic area. MGL-3196 is in a Phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

AMD-070 is a small molecule drug candidate that belongs to a new investigational class of anti-HIV drugs known as entry (fusion) inhibitors. Approximately 76% of HIV-patients with measurable viral load are infected with a strain of virus that is resistant to one or more classes of antiretroviral agents, thus reducing treatment options. Unlike many existing HIV drugs that target the virus after it has infected a healthy cell, AMD-070 blocks the virus from entering a healthy cell, thus preventing the replication process. AMD-070 targets the CXCR4 receptor on HIV and prevents the virus from entering and infecting healthy cells. AMD-070 is specific for the CXCR4 receptor and does not interact with any other chemokine receptors in vitro. AMD-070 strongly inhibits viral infection by all CXCR4 using virus (including virus using CXCR4 alone and/or virus using CXCR4 and CCR5) in vitro. AMD-070 is orally bioavailable in animals, it has suitable PK and toxicity profile for oral dosing. AMD-070 shows additive or synergistic effects in vitro in combination with other known anti-HIV agents. AMD-070 is active against CXCR4 using HIV strains that are resistant to existing antiretroviral therapies in vitro, reveals potent anti-HIV activity against CXCR4-using laboratory strains and clinical isolates. MD-070 had been in phase II clinical trials by Genzyme for the treatment of HIV infection. However, this research has been discontinued. AMD-070 has been studied in Phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of Renal cell carcinoma and Phase I clinical trials for the treatment of malignant melanoma and solid tumours.

AZD-5363, a novel pyrrolopyrimidine-derived compound, inhibits all AKT isoforms with a potency of <10nM, and inhibited phosphorylation of AKT substrates in cells with a potency of ~0.3 to 0.8µM. AZD5363 monotherapy inhibited the proliferation of 41/182 solid and hematologic tumour cell lines with a potency of <3µM and 25/182 with a potency of <1µM. By targeting AKT, the key node in the PIK3/AKT signaling network, AZD-5363 may be used as monotherapy or combination therapy for a variety of human cancers. There is significant relationship between the presence of PIK3CA and/or PTEN mutations and sensitivity to AZD-5363, and between RAS mutations and resistance. In xenograft studies in vivo AZD-5363 significantly reduced phosphorylation of PRAS40, GSK3β and S6. Chronic oral dosing of AZD-5363 causes dose-dependent inhibition of the growth of xenografts derived from various tumor types and AZD-5363 also significantly enhanced the antitumor activity of docetaxel, lapatinib and trastuzumab in breast cancer xenografts. Dose-response at oral doses of 50 to 150mg/kg twice daily continuous dosing and intermittent dosing in the range of 100 to 200mg/kg twice daily, 4 days on, 3 days off have led to efficacy. AZD-5363 is in phase II clinical studies for the treatment of breast cancer; gastric cancer; non-small cell lung cancer.

Omaveloxolone (RTA-408) is a synthetic triterpenoid exerting antioxidant inflammation modulator properties. It activates the transcription factor Nrf2 and inhibits NF-κB signaling. Omaveloxolone demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Reata Pharmaceuticals is developing omaveloxolone for the treatment of cancers, Friedreich's ataxia and mitochondrial disorders.

Nirogacestat (PF-3084014) is a tetralin imidazole gamma-secretase inhibitor. Gamma-secretase, a proteolytic enzyme complex, mediates processing of several integral membrane proteins including amyloid precursor protein and Notch. This compound can inhibit both Notch-related pathway in neoplasia and reduces amyloid-β production. Nirogacestat (PF-3084014) is under development by Pfizer for the treatment of cancer.

Palovarotene (R-667, RO-3300074) was developed by Roche Holding AG as a selective retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist for the treatment of emphysema. Phase I clinical trials of palovarotene in patients with emphysema demonstrated that the drug is well tolerated, with improvements observed in markers of emphysema progression. Unlike all-trans retinoic acid, the pharmacokinetic profile of palovarotene appears to be dose-proportional. However, those studies were discontinued. Palovarotene is also being investigated in phase II of the clinical trial in the treatment of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). Palovarotene received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and orphan designations for the treatment of FOP from both the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

PF-04965842 is an orally administered selective Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor. PF-04965842 is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.