ARN-810 (GDC-0810) is a novel, orally bioavailable, estrogen receptor antagonist that induces proteasomal estrogen receptor degradation in breast cancer cell lines at picomolar concentrations and tumor regression in tamoxifen-sensitive and resistant BC xenograft models. Results from a first-in-human phase I/IIa study of ARN-810 indicate that it is tolerable and may benefit some postmenopausal women with advanced estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Development of ARN-810 was discontinued.

BI-224436 is an HIV-1 integrase inhibitor with effective antiviral activity that acts through a mechanism that is distinct from that of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). This 3-quinolineacetic acid derivative series was identified using an enzymatic integrase long terminal repeat (LTR) DNA 3'-processing assay. A combination of medicinal chemistry, parallel synthesis, and structure-guided drug design led to the identification of BI 224436 as a candidate for preclinical profiling. It has antiviral 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) of <15 nM against different HIV-1 laboratory strains and cellular cytotoxicity of >90 μM. BI-224436 also retains full antiviral activity against recombinant viruses encoding INSTI resistance substitutions N155S, Q148H, and E92Q. In drug combination studies performed in cellular antiviral assays, BI-224436 displays an additive effect in combination with most approved antiretrovirals, including INSTIs. BI-224436 has drug-like in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties, including Caco-2 cell permeability, solubility, and low cytochrome P450 inhibition. It exhibited excellent pharmacokinetic profiles in rat (clearance as a percentage of hepatic flow [CL], 0.7%; bioavailability [F], 54%), monkey (CL, 23%; F, 82%), and dog (CL, 8%; F, 81%). Based on the excellent biological and pharmacokinetic profile, BI 224436 was advanced into phase 1 clinical trials. Trials with clinical candidate BI-224436 were put on hold despite promising results.

Savolitinib (AZD6094, HMPL-504) has been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of tumors in a series of preclinical disease models, selectively for those tumors with aberrant c-Met signaling. Phase I dose escalation studies were initiated in Australia and China in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Savolitinib has demonstrated good safety and tolerability and favorable pharmacokinetic properties in late stage cancer patients, and has shown encouraging anti-tumor activity in several tumor-types, in particular for metastatic Papillary Renal Cell Cancer (PRCC). Phase II, study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of savolitinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic PRCC. Approximately 20 centers in the United States, Canada, and Europe will participate in the study. The primary objective of this study is to assess the anti-tumor activity in patients with PRCC as measured by overall response rate according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (“RECIST”). The secondary objectives for this study are to: assess the progression free survival and duration of response in patients with PRCC according to RECIST; assess the safety and tolerability in the treatment of patients with PRCC; characterize the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of savolitinib and metabolites following administration to steady state after multiple dosing when given orally.

TAK-063 is a highly potent, selective, and orally active phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) inhibitor with IC50 of 0.30 nM; >15000-fold selectivity over other PDEs. TAK-063 is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of schizophrenia. Phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) is a cAMP/cGMP phosphodiesterase highly expressed in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum. TAK-063 represents a promising drug for the treatment of schizophrenia with potential for superior safety and tolerability profiles.

Q203 (6-chloro-2-ethyl-N-(4-(4-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)piperidin-1-yl)benzyl)imidazo [1,2-a]pyridine-3-carboxamide) is an an imidazopyridine antitubercular compound. Q203 targets the cytochrome b subunit (QcrB) of the cytochrome bc1 complex. This complex is an essential component of the respiratory electron transport chain of ATP synthesis. Q203 inhibited the growth of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) M. tuberculosis clinical isolates in culture broth medium in the low nanomolar range and was efficacious in a mouse model of tuberculosis at a dose less than 1 mg per kg body weight, which highlights the potency of this compound. In addition, Q203 displays pharmacokinetic and safety profiles compatible with once-daily dosing. Q203 is a promising new clinical candidate for the treatment of tuberculosis.

Tetrahydropalmatine is a tetrahydroprotoberberine isoquinoline alkaloid that is a primary active constituent of herbal preparations containing plant species of the genera Stephania and Corydalis. The levo isomer of THP (L-THP) appears to contribute to many of the therapeutic effects of these preparations. The pharmacological profile of L-THP, which includes antagonism of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors and actions at dopamine D3, suggests that it may have utility for treating addiction. Clinical trials where L-THP was used for the treatment of cocaine and heroin addiction have promising results. The clinical trial is planned for the treatment of schizophrenia. L-Tetrahydropalmatine is recorded in the Chinese pharmacopoeia.

AZD-7687 is a potent inhibitor of Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) which was developed by AstraZeneca for the treatment obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. AZD-7687 reached phase I of clinical trials, but was discontinued by unknown reasons.

Artefenomel, a novel trioxolane, is a lead candidate for inclusion in a new antimalarial combination, specifically formulated for children. Artefenomel has been demonstrated curative in as little as one dose.

AT7519M or AT7519, a small molecule inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 1, 2, 4, 5, and 9, participated in phase II clinical trials in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). As a result, in CLL, some patients had tumor reductions, but the objective response rate (ORR) was low. In MCL, activity was noted with ORR of 27%. In addition, AT7519M was studied in patients with previously treated multiple myeloma, to understand whether the drug alone or in combination with bortezomib were effective treatments. Recent experiments also have shown that AT7519 is a promising drug for the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma patients with MYCN amplification. It is known, that MYCN-dependent neuroblastomas have low cure rates with current multimodal treatment.

GlaxoSmithKline is developing Camicinal (GSK 962040), an oral motilin receptor agonist for the treatment of gastroparesis. Camicinal is being evaluated in phase II for diabetic gastroparesis and gastroparesis. Camicinal is well tolerated in multiple trials with no serious drug-related adverse events or changes in ECG chemistry when given as a single oral dose of up to 125 mg. Although larger studies are soon to be reported, current evidence shows that adverse events occurred evenly between the placebo and treatment groups, and was generally mild. Camicinal has been previously shown to increase gastric emptying in volunteers after repeat dosing over 14 days with no tolerance effect in patients with gastroparesis and type 1 diabetes. Camicinal meets the criteria of an ideal motilin agonist. The compound activates long-lasting cholinergic contractility at low doses in the antrum with greater efficacy than current therapeutic options.