The novel compounds clamikalant (HMR 1883) or its sodium salt HMR 1098) have been shown to block selectively Kir6.2/SUR1-composed K(ATP) channels. Clamikalant is under development by Aventis Pharma (formerly Hoechst Marion Roussel) for the potential treatment of heart arrest and ventricular arrhythmias. Nevertheless, clamikalant and its sodium salt did not pass the clinical trials

Zoniporide hydrochloride is a novel, potent and selective NHE-1 inhibitor (IC50 = 14 nM). Reduces infarct size in the isolated heart (EC50 = 0.25 nM). Attenuates post-ischemic cardiac contractile dysfunction and ischemia-reperfusion-induced ventricular fibrillation in vivo. Zoniporide hydrochloride represents a novel class of potent and selective human NHE-1 inhibitors with potential utility for providing cardioprotection in a clinical setting.

CX 516, a compound synthesized by Cortex Pharmaceuticals using Ampakine® technology licensed from the University of California, was in clinical investigations for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, fragile X syndrome and autism, and sleep disorders, however, development of this drug candidate has been discontinued. CX 516 had an extremely short halflife in humans, very low potency and failed to show any benefits in phase II studies. The compound did have a good safety profile, reducing concerns about the toxicity of excess glutamate. Cortex subsequently terminated clinical development of CX 516.

Tipifarnib is an oral farnesyltransferase (FTase) inhibitor which was developed by Janssen (J&J). Upon administration, tipifarnib inhibits FTase and thus suppresses the activity of downstream effectors. The drug reached phase III of clinical trials for such diseases as pancreatic cancer (terminated), colorectal cancer (terminated) and acute myeloid leukemia (in elderly patients).

Lintitript (SR 27897) is a selective cholecystokinin type A (CCK-A) receptor antagonist, which was initially developed by Sanofi for appetite disorders. It is known, that CCK modulates feeding and dopamine-induced behavior in the central and peripheral nervous system. Lintitript presumably alters feeding habits, however, the exact mechanism of action is not known. Lintitript was investigated in animals with anorexia nervosa, in addition, drug was in clinical trial for the patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, but these studies were discontinued.

R-etodolac (SDX-101) is the non-cyclooxygenase 2-inhibiting R-enantiomer of the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug etodolac (1,8-diethyl-1,3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[3,4-b]indole-1-acetic acid). The absolute configuration of the enantiomer is R-(-)-etodolac. R-etodolac specifically bound retinoid X receptor (RXRalpha), inhibited RXRalpha transcriptional activity, and induced its degradation by a ubiquitin and proteasome-dependent pathway. In addition R-etodolac can disrupt the beta-catenin signaling pathway. R-etodolac exerts antineoplastic properties. R-etodolac was in phase 2 studies for the treatment of hematologic malignancies however development was discontinued.

Marizomib is a natural beta-lactone produced by the marine bacterium Salinispora tropica. Marizomib has a broad inhibition profile for the 20S proteasome and has been shown to inhibit the CT-L (beta5) CT-T-laspase-like (C-L, beta1) and trypsin-like (T-L, beta2) activities of the 20S proteasome. The drug is being tested in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma and Malignant Glioma and in phase I in patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Melanoma or Lymphoma

Nefiracetam is a cyclic derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is thought to act by normalising dysfunctional acetylcholine, GABA and possibly monoamine neurotransmitter systems, but it may also facilitate N/L-type calcium channel opening. Nefiracetam has received attention as a treatment for seizures, depression, and dementia. Nefiracetam was found to be extremely testicular toxic in both rats and dogs; it was found to significantly decrease the levels of testicular testosterone leading to atrophy and malformation of sperm.

AZD1775 selectively targets and inhibits WEE1, a tyrosine kinase that phosphorylates cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1, CDC2) to inactivate the CDC2/cyclin B complex. Inhibition of WEE1 activity prevents the phosphorylation of CDC2 and impairs the G2 DNA damage checkpoint. This may lead to apoptosis upon treatment with DNA damaging chemotherapeutic agents. Current ongoing trials of AZD1775 include monotherapy and combination therapy with certain DNA damaging agents in solid tumors, ovarian tumors, gynaecological cancer, non-small cell lung cancer. AZD1775 is genotoxic, which is considered to be a result of its mechanism of action. Common serious adverse events (with chemotherapy) include: febrile neutropenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia.

Meclinertant (SR-48692) is the first non-peptide antagonist of neurotensin receptors. It is potent and selective vs the high-affinity binding sites and with a small activity on the levocabastine-sensitive binding sites. It is active on several species including man without partial agonist properties. In vivo, it is active by oral route with a long duration of action and it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Meclinertant may be considered a powerful tool for investigating the role of neurotensin in physiological and pathological processes. Meclinertant has been developing for the treatment of anorexia nervosa; colorectal cancer; irritable bowel syndrome; pain; pancreatic cancer; prostate cancer; schizophrenia; small cell lung cancer however its development was discontinued.