Dalcetrapib (JTT-705) is a modulator than an inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity and it may interact with and decrease CETP activity by a unique mechanism without an off-target effect. Dalcetrapib increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels but did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. It is in phase III of clinical trials for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome.

Apaziquone (EOquin, EO9) is an indolequinone that is a bioreductive prodrug and a chemical analog of the older chemotherapeutic agent mitomycin C. In hypoxic cells, such as those on the inner surface of the urinary bladder, apaziquone is converted to active metabolites by intracellular reductases (such as NQO1). The active metabolites alkylate DNA and lead to apoptosis. In animal tumour models, EO9 was inactive against the P388 murine leukaemia but exhibited anti-tumour activity against human tumour xenografts and the generally chemo-resistant murine adenocarcinomas of the colon (MAC) tumours. Initial evidence that in vivo response correlated with NQO1 activity. Apaziquone was selected for clinical evaluation based upon its novel mechanism of action (which was distinct from MMC), its preferential activity against cells derived from solid tumours in vitro and in vivo, its ability to target both aerobic and hypoxic cells and the lack of myelosuppression in mice and rats. Apaziquone has been applied in clinical studies sponsored by Spectrum Pharmaceuticals and Allergan, Inc. for the treatment of superficial (non-muscle invasive) bladder cancer. However, the US-FDA determined that it was not statistically effective.

Acifran (AY-25,712), an uncommercialized Ayerst compound exerting lipid-lowering activity in vivo, has been shown to also elicit similar effects as niacin in preliminary clinical testing and has been shown to bind to both high affinity (HM74A; GPR109A) and low affinity (HM74; GPR109B) niacin receptors. The EC50 values of the separated acifran enantiomers for the GPR109a and 109b receptors showed that, as with acifran itself, the (+)-enantiomers were essentially twice as active as the racemic mixtures, whereas the activity of the (-)-enantiomers was more variable and highly dependent on purity. S-enantiomer of acifran is the active principle. All of the activity of racemic acifran could be attributed to the (S)-enantiomer, and hence, from this precedent, (+)-enantiomers would be assigned to the S-configuration. However, the absolute configuration was not confirmed experimentally.

Apricitabine (ATC) is an investigational drug that was being studied for the treatment of HIV infection. Apricitabine belongs to a class (group) of HIV drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). NRTIs block an HIV reverse transcriptase. By blocking reverse transcriptase, NRTIs prevent HIV from multiplying and can reduce the amount of HIV in the body. In vitro studies have shown that apricitabine appears to work on certain HIV strains against which other FDA-approved NRTIs, such as lamivudine (brand name: Epivir), may no longer work. Apricitabine shows antiviral activity in vitro against HIV-1 strains and clinical isolates with mutations in the reverse transcriptase that confer resistance to other NRTIs, including M184V, thymidine analogue mutations (TAMs), nucleoside-associated mutations such as L74V and certain mutations at codon 69. Apricitabine has shown activity in treatment-experienced HIV-1-infected patients with NRTI resistance (with M184V and up to five TAMs) as well as in treatment-naive patients. The study of apricitabine as an HIV medicine was discontinued in 2016. The company developing the drug decided to stop their clinical trials due to a lack of funding and a lack of interest in apricitabine’s early access program.

(+)-selfotel ((+)-CGS-19755) is an enantiomer of selfotel, a competitive antagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-preferring receptors. The inhibition of NMDA-evoked ACh release from rat striatal slices is stereospecific, with the (+)-enantiomer less potent than the (-)-enantiomer.

Bicifadine (DOV-220075) is not a narcotic and is well-tolerated and, in preclinical studies, has been shown not to act at any opiate receptor, but inhibits monoamine neurotransmitter uptake by recombinant human transporters in vitro with a relative potency of norepinephrine:serotonin:dopamine of 1:2:17. Bicifadine was in Phase II clinical trial for pain caused by diabetic neuropathy, in addition, was in phase III clinical trial to treat Chronic Low Back Pain, but that studies were discontinued

Filgotinib (GLPG0634) is a highly selective JAK1 inhibitor. GLPG0634 is a promising drug candidate for the future treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. It is in phase III clinical trials (initiated mid-2016) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Most common adverse events observed were infections, gastrointestinal disorders and nervous system disorders.

Omtriptolide (previously known as PG490-88 or F60008), an immunosuppressant that has been shown to be the safe and potent antitumor agent and it has been approved entry into Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of prostate cancer in the USA. In addition, the drug is participating in phase I clinical trial for the treatment of myeloid leukemia. Experiments on animals have shown omtriptolide was highly effective in the prevention of murine graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The immunosuppressive effect of the drug was mediated by inhibition of alloreactive T cell expansion through interleukin-2 production. However, this study was discontinued. Recently published article has shown omtriptolide possesses the potential as a prophylactic agent to prevent ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced lung injury.

Trigonellamide (1-Methylnicotinamide) is a metabolite of nicotinamide and is produced primarily in the liver by nicotinamide N-methyltransferase. Trigonellamide may be an endogenous activator of prostacyclin (PGI2) production and thus may regulate thrombotic as well as inflammatory processes in the cardiovascular system. The mechanisms of action of Trigonellamide involve the activation of PGI2 release driven by cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). PGI2 releasing capacity of 1- Trigonellamide was shown to afford not only anti-thrombotic but also fibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects. Interestingly, Trigonellamide did not directly either affect the activity of leucocytes or release PGI2 in the perfused rat hindquarters model. Still, Trigonellamide, due to its PGI2 releasing capacity, might serve as a hepatoprotective agent that protects against Concanavalin-A induced liver injury through the downregulation of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor-α signalization (TNF-α). In addition to its anti-platelet, anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory activities, 1-MNA has also been shown to restore endothelial function in diabetic hyperglycemic rats, as well as to improve endothelial function in humans. PGI2 displays anti-metastatic activity, and the PGI2 releasing activity of Trigonellamide, the potential application of exogenous Trigonellamide to prevent metastatic cancer.

Remacemide is a low-affinity noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist with sodium channel blocking properties. It has been studied for a number of conditions including acute ischemic stroke, epilepsy, Parkinsons Disease, and Huntington's disease. It was concluded, that was unlikely that remacemide would be further developed as an antiepileptic drug. As for other conditions, there no any information in the literature, why remacemide is no longer being developed for them.