Olesoxime (TRO19622) a small-molecule with a cholesterol-like structure has remarkable neuroprotective properties for motor neurons in cell culture and in rodents. The biopharmaceutical company Trophos initially developed this compound. This medicine is in phase II clinical trial in treating spinal muscular atrophy and in phase I for patients with stable relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. This drug was also investigated in phase III clinical trial for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but it did not demonstrate a significant increase in survival versus placebo and that study was discontinued. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the olesoxime promoted the function and survival of neurons and other cell types under disease-relevant stress conditions through interactions with the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP).

RO-20-1724 is a potent inhibitor of Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) originally developed by Roche. It showed some promise as a potential treatment for psoriasis, but it was discontinued when it could not match the efficacy of existing treatments. RO-20-1724 was also investigated as a potential treatment for asthma and septic shock.

Shikonin is a major naphthoquinone compound found in the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and exhibits powerful anticancer activities for various cancer cells. Shikonin and its derivatives are characterized by a wide spectrum of antibacterial activities: high antibacterial activity towards Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus et al.), a stable fungicidal effect towards Candida and Trichosporon fungi. Shikonin normalizes the production of the key mediators of inflammation IL-1 and IL-2, IFN-γ, reduces vascular permeability in the focus of inflammation, exhibiting a marked anti-inflammatory effect. Combined therapy with applications of a bio-polymeric film with shikonin and its esters (naphthoquinone derivatives) led to an obvious improvement of the clinical parameters and reduced the morphological signs of the buccal mucosal lesions. The drug was well tolerated by all patients and no side effects were recorded. Shikonin, as a naturally occurring, low-molecular-weight pan-chemokine receptor inhibitor, constitutes a basis for the development of novel anti-HIV therapeutic agents.

Sulforaphane is a naturally-occurring phytochemical belonging to the class of isothiocyanates. As the aglycone metabolite of glucosinolate glucoraphanin (sulforaphane glucosinolate), sulforaphane acts as an antioxidant and potent stimulator of endogenous detoxifying enzymes. This agent displays anticarcinogenic properties due to its ability to induce phase II detoxification enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase, thereby providing protection against certain carcinogens and toxic, reactive oxygen species. Broccoli sprouts contain large amounts of sulforaphane, which is also found in other cruciferous vegetables including cabbage and kale. Sulforaphane is under investigation for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia.

Eugenol is sometimes called clove oil because it is the active element in cloves. It causes the aromatic smell typical of cloves and because of this property is often found in perfumes. Eugenol’s properties make it a good local antiseptic and analgesic. It is used in dentist offices to make zinc-oxide eugenol paste for temporary fillings. Eugenol also demonstrates antifungal and antimicrobial activity, showing efficacy against Candida albicans biofilms, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. Eugenol is further described to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and to scavenge ROS, thus demonstrating prooxidant and antioxidant effects. Also, Eugenol is used as a pesticide.

Rifamycin SV is a derivative of antibiotic rifamycin B (the natural fermentation product of S. mediterranei broths). The primary target of rifampicin on whole bacteria is the synthesis of RNA. Rifamycin belongs to the ansamycin class of antibacterial drugs and acts by inhibiting the beta subunit of the bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, blocking one of the steps in DNA transcription. This results in inhibition of bacterial synthesis and consequently growth of bacteria. Rifampicin exhibits bactericidal activity on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and on mycobacteria. Rifamycin SV MMX® (AEMCOLO), a non-absorbable rifamycin antibiotic formulated using the multi-matrix system, was designed to exhibit its pharmacological action on the distal small intestine and colon. AEMCOLO is indicated for the treatment of travelers’ diarrhea (TD) caused by non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli in adults.

Copanlisib, developed by Bayer, is a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor with potential antineoplastic activity. Copanlisib inhibits the activation of the PI3K signaling pathway, which may result in inhibition of tumor cell growth and survival in susceptible tumor cell populations. Activation of the PI3K signaling pathway is frequently associated with tumorigenesis and dysregulated PI3K signaling may contribute to tumor resistance to a variety of antineoplastic agents. Copanlisib is currently under Phase II/III clinical trials for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Ozenoxacin is an experimental quinolone antibiotic being developed for the treatment of impetigo and other dermatological bacterial infections. Ozenoxacin is active against some bacteria that have developed resistance to currently used quinolone and fluoroquinolone antibiotics. In two phase 3 studies, Ozenoxacin cream, 1%, applied topically twice daily for 5 days vs. placebo, demonstrated superiority on both clinical and bacteriological endpoints, according to the release. Superior bacteriological cure of Ozenoxacin compared to placebo was demonstrated as early as day 4. In both adults and a pediatric population aged 2 months and older, Ozenoxacin treatment was reported to be safe and well tolerated.

Panobinostat is an oral deacetylace (DAC) inhibitor approved on February 23, 2015 by the FDA for the treatment of multiple myeloma. The approval was accelerated based on progression-free survival, therefore confirmatory trials by the sponsor to demonstrate clinical efficacy in multiple myeloma treatment are in progress of being conducted. Panobinostat is marketed by Novartis under the brand name Farydak. Panobinostat is a deacetylase (DAC) inhibitor. DACs, also known as histone DACs (HDAC), are responsible for regulating the acetylation of about 1750 proteins in the body; their functions are involved in many biological processes including DNA replication and repair, chromatin remodelling, transcription of genes, progression of the cell-cycle, protein degradation and cytoskeletal reorganization. In multiple myeloma, there is an overexpression of DAC proteins. Panobinostat inhibits class I (HDACs 1, 2, 3, 8), class II (HDACs 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10) and class IV (HDAC 11) proteins. Panobinostat's antitumor activity is believed to be attributed to epigenetic modulation of gene expression and inhibition of protein metabolism. Panobinostat also exhibits cytotoxic synergy with bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor concurrently used in treatment of multiple myeloma.

Vorapaxar is a tricyclic himbacine-derived oral thrombin receptor antagonist that acts by reversible inhibition of the protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1). PAR-1 is expressed on platelets and its inhibition prevents platelets from aggregation. Vorapaxar is approved by FDA and is indicated for the reduction of recurring thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction or with peripheral arterial disease. Vorapaxar at the same time may cause bleeding complications including intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), when compared to standard therapy alone. That is why Vorapaxar is contraindicated in patients with prior stroke, transient ischemic attack and ICH.