Somatoprim (DG3173) is a heptapeptide somatostatin analog (SSA) that binds with high affinity to sstr2, sstr4 and sstr5 and shows a very low insulin suppression in contrast to other SSA. Initially developed by Ipsen, it is under active development by licensee Aspireo Pharmaceuticals, an Israeli company. In vitro as well as in vivo testing showed a dose-dependent GH lowering effect. Somatoprim has demonstrated a unique receptor binding and pharmacological profile which is differentiated from SSAs that are currently marketed or in clinical development. In particular, Somatoprim has shown an improved side effect profile with reduced adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract and glucose metabolism. Furthermore, assessment of growth hormone secretion in cultured human somatotroph adenoma tissue treated with Somatoprim indicates that it has the potential to increase the response rate of acromegalic patients to SSA therapy. Somatoprim is currently in phase I/II of clinical development.

Elomotecan (BN 80927), a homocamptothecin derivative, inhibits both topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II mediated DNA relaxation. It potently inhibits proliferation of human tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Elomotecan was being developed for the treatment of solid tumors.

Cicletanine is a diuretic, developed by Ipsen for the treatment of hypertension. The drug was marketed in France by Recordati under the name Tenstaten. The mechanism(s) by which cicletanine exerts its biological effects has not been definitely established. The salidiuretic activity appears to be the result of an action of the sulfoconjugated metabolite of cicletanine, which inhibits the apical Na+-dependent Cl-/HCO3- anion exchanger in the distal convoluted tubule. The mechanism of the vasodilating effect of cicletanine may include stimulation of vascular prostaglandin synthesis, inhibition of the low Km cyclic GMP phosphodiesterases, and blockade of Ca2+ channels either directly or indirectly. The drug has also been shown to interact with other proteins, including alpha-adrenergic, vascular histamine, and muscarinic receptors.