Kythera Biopharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of Allergan) is developing setipiprant, an oral prostaglandin D2 (PGD2/CRTH2) receptor antagonist, for the treatment of alopecia. Setipiprant was initially developed as a treatment for allergic rhinitis, but recent hair loss-related discoveries have made it a better candidate for hair loss reversal. As CRTH2 antagonist, setipiprant, blocks the effects of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) role in inflammation and, in consequence, the amplification and maintenance of allergic reactions. It targets the allergic inflammation at the beginning of the cascade. In clinical trials for allergic rhinitis and asthma, the drug performed quite well in the treatment of allergen-induced airway responses in asthmatic patients. It was also well tolerated by participants. However, its results were similar to those of drugs already on the market, so further trials were discontinued. In 2012, researchers discovered a link between the PGD2 receptor and hair loss. More specifically, this receptor is seen at high levels in the scalps of men diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). setipiprant steps in before PGD2 attaches to the receptors, and therefore prevents receptor activation and, as a result, hair loss. With the discovery of the possible link to PGD2 receptors, Kythera acquired the drug, and trials began to test the effects of setipiprant on hair loss.

Ecalcidene (1-[(1alpha,3beta,5Z,7E,20S)-1,3-dihydroxy-24-oxo-9,10-secochola-5,7,10(19)-trien-24-yl]-piperidine) is a 1-hydroxyvitamin D analogue. Ecalcidene was being developed by Barrier Therapeutics as an oral therapy for psoriasis and acne. However, development has been discontinued.

Spirorenone is an androstadienone derivative patented by Schering A.-G as a highly effective aldosterone antagonist. Spirorenone is 8.6 times as potent as spironolactone, but showed a lower affinity for the mineralocorticoid receptors. In phase I clinical trials Spirorenone was absorbed with a half-life of 20-30 min, achieving maximum concentrations of about 100 ng/ml (10 mg) and 260 ng/ml (40 mg) after 1-2 h. Disposition of the parent drug was biphasic with half-lives of 50-60 min (distribution) and 5-6 h (elimination). Neither significant accumulation nor enzyme induction was observed after prolonged treatment.

Lemuteporfin is a newly introduced, light-sensitive drug for use in combination photodynamic therapy (PDT). It acts on mitochrondria to initiate the apoptotic cascade resulting in cell death (apoptosis). The photosensitizer was highly potent, killing cells at low nanomolar concentrations upon exposure to activating light. The cellular uptake of lemuteporfin was rapid with maximum levels reached within 20 min. Mitogen-activated lymphoid cells accumulated more of the lemuteporfin than their quiescent equivalents, supporting selectivity. Lemuteporfin had been in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy. It is in phase I clinical trials for the treatment of acne rosacea.

Piroxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. In vitro it is more active than piperacillin, apalcillin and mezlocillin especially against the following strains; E. coli, Ps. aeruginosa, Ps. stutzeri, K. pneumoniae, Eb. cloacae, Ser. marcescens, Proteus, Sh. flexneri, Y. enterocolitica, Cb. freundii, Acb. calcoaceticus, Bacteroides and Sc. faecalis. It shows very low MIC values against clinically important Gram-negative bacteria, primarily Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The action of piroxicillin is bactericidal.

Venritidine [D 16637] is an H2-antagonist which appears to undergo phase I clinical trials in the United Kingdom and preclinical investigation in Germany as a gastric ulcer treatment.

Picenadol is a 4-phenylpiperidine derivative and a racemic mixture whose mixed agonist-antagonist properties are a consequence of the d-isomer being a potent opiate agonist, whereas the I-isomer is an opioid antagonist. In the mouse writhing and rat tail heat tests, the analgesic potency of picenadol is estimated to be 1/3 that of morphine. Picenadol itself has weak antagonist activity, whereas the antagonist potency of the l-isomer is approx. 1/10 that of nalorphine. Picenadol has high affinity for both the mu and delta receptors but a markedly lower affinity for the kappa receptor. Extensive pharmacological investigations show picenadol to have a low potential to produce opiate-like side effects, including a low liability for abuse and physical dependence. Antinociceptive properties of picenadol arise from mu agonist actions of the dextrorotatory isomer and that the levorotatory isomer acts to limit the efficacy of the racemate.

Lusaperidone (R107474) is a potent and relatively selective alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist. It was under clinical evaluation for the treatment of depression, characterized by anergia and lack of drive. However, further clinical development has been stopped. Radiolabeled lusaperidone may be used as a potential radioligand for studying alpha(2)-adrenoceptors using PET.

Codoxime is a synthetic derivative of an opiate dihydrocodeinone. It differs from dihydrocodeinone by the substitution of a carboxymethyl oxime for the ketonic oxygen at carbon 6 of the dihydrocodeinone molecule. Codoxime has been proposed as an antitussive with prolonged duration of action. In a clinical trial conducted on prisoner volunteers in 1966, it was found that codoxime has a capacity to produce physical dependence of the morphine type.