Elobixibat is the first in class ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitor. IBAT inhibitors block ileal absorption of bile acids by: (1) interrupting the enterohepatic circulation of bile resulting in a fall in serum cholesterol and (2) increasing the delivery of bile acids into the colon. Elobixibat stimulates both motor and secretory functions in the colon. Elobixibat is approved in Japan for the treatment of chronic constipation. Elobixibat has potential benefit in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Ripasudil (K-115) is a selective Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. This compound, which was originally discovered by D. Western Therapeutics Institute, Inc., reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by directly acting on the trabecular meshwork, thereby increasing conventional outflow through the Schlemm's canal. As a result of this mechanism of action, ripasudil may offer additive effects in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension when used in combination with agents such as prostaglandin analogues (which increase uveoscleral outflow) and β blockers (which reduce aqueous production). GLANATEC® (Ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate) ophthalmic solution 0.4% is launched in Japan for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Nabiximols (USAN, trade name Sativex) is a specific extract of Cannabis that was approved as a botanical drug in the United Kingdom in 2010 as a mouth spray to alleviate neuropathic pain, spasticity, overactive bladder, and other symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Nabiximols is an oromucosal spray of a formulated extract of the cannabis sativa plant that contains the principal cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) as well as specific minor cannabinoids and other non-cannabinoid components. THC is a partial agonist and can block activation by other ligands of both cannabinoid receptors (CBR). THC effects include analgesia, short-term memory loss, muscle relaxation, antiemesis, appetite stimulation, and anti-inflammatory activity. CBD acts on CBR and TRPV1, while also inhibiting reuptake and hydrolysis of anandamide N-arachidonylethanolamine (AEA). CBD effects include anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-psychotic activity. CBD modulates some of the more undesirable psychological adverse effects of THC through both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects. Each 100 μl spray contains: 2.7 mg of THC and 2.5 mg of CBD. Nabiximols was approved in other European countries and Canada.

Ripasudil (K-115) is a selective Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. This compound, which was originally discovered by D. Western Therapeutics Institute, Inc., reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by directly acting on the trabecular meshwork, thereby increasing conventional outflow through the Schlemm's canal. As a result of this mechanism of action, ripasudil may offer additive effects in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension when used in combination with agents such as prostaglandin analogues (which increase uveoscleral outflow) and β blockers (which reduce aqueous production). GLANATEC® (Ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate) ophthalmic solution 0.4% is launched in Japan for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Pixantrone is a novel anthracenedione. It is a weak inhibitor of topoisomerase II. Pixantrone directly alkylates DNA forming stable DNA adducts and cross-strand breaks. Pixuvri is approved for the treatment of adult patients with multiply relapsed or refractory aggressive Non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It is used for patients whose cancer does not respond or has returned after they have received other chemotherapy treatments. The most frequent AE were seen in the blood (mainly neutropaenia), gastrointestinal (nausea, abdominal pain, constipation) and respiratory systems (cough, dyspnea). No drug-drug interaction studies have been submitted and no drug interactions have been reported in human subjects

Sarpogrelate (brand name Anplag; former developmental code names MCI-9042, LS-187,118) is a drug which acts as an antagonist at the 5HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors. It blocks serotonin-induced platelet aggregation and has applications in the treatment of many diseases including diabetes mellitus, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's disease, coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, and atherosclerosis.

Trelagliptin (SYR-472), a novel dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Trelagliptin (as the salt Trelagliptin succinate) was approved for use in Japan in March 2015. Takeda, the company that developed Trelagliptin, chose to not get approval for the drug in the USA and EU.

Dapivirine, an anti-retroviral (ARV)-based microbicide, is a substituted diaminopyrimidine (DAPY) derivative and a potent non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) with antiviral activity against HIV-1. Dapivirine showed high activity against wild-type and mutant HIV in in virto HIV models inhibiting a broad panel of HIV-1 isolates from different classes, including a wide range of NNRTI-resistant isolates. Developed by Janssen Sciences (formerly Tibotec Pharmaceuticals), dapivirine was initially tested as an oral treatment for HIV in a number of Phase I/II clinical trials. In 2014 the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) began its work on the monthly dapivirine ring. Phase I/II clinical trials in Africa, Europe and the United States proved that dapivirine is safe and well-tolerated. Phase III long-term safety and efficacy studies of the monthly dapivirine ring as part of IPM's Dapivirine Ring Licensure Program confirmed that the monthly dapivirine ring can safely help prevent HIV infection in women. In 2016 the ASPIRE Study reported a 27 percent reduction in HIV-1 acquisition with a trend toward greater protection in women over age 21 and no significant protection for women under age 21.

Ramosetron (INN) is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist for the treatment of nausea, vomiting. And "diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome in males" (IBS-D). Ramosetron is licensed for use in India, Japan (Iribo) and selected Southeast Asian countries. In animal studies, ramosetron reduced defecation induced by corticotrophin-releasing hormone and had inhibitory effects on colonic nociception. In two randomized controlled studies including 957 patients with IBS-D, ramosetron increased monthly responder rates of patient-reported global assessment of IBS symptom relief compared with placebo. Ramosetron was also as effective as mebeverine in male patients with IBS-D. In a recent randomized controlled trial with 343 male patients with IBS-D, ramosetron has proved effective in improving stool consistency, relieving abdominal pain/discomfort, and improving health-related quality of life. Regarding safety, ramosetron is associated with a lower incidence of constipation compared with other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and has not been associated with ischemic colitis.

Itopride is a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. It is indicated in the for the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms caused by reduced gastrointestinal motility, such as functional non-ulcer dyspepsia (chronic gastritis), gastric fullness, rapid satiation, pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, anorexia, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. The drug is not approved in the USA or UK but is available in Japan and Western European countries.