BN-82451 belongs to a family of small molecules designated as multitargeting or hybrid molecules. BN-82451 is orally active, has good central nervous system penetration, and elicits potent neuronal protection and antiinflammatory properties. BN-82451 acts via three major pathways involved in neuronal death: excito-toxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and is also a mitochondrial protective agent. Because BN-82451 is a multitargeting agent, each of its specific sites of action has been extensively evaluated, namely, neuronal excitotoxicity (sodium channel blocker), oxida-tive stress (antioxidant), neuroinflammation (cyclooxygenase inhibitor), and mitochondrialdysfunction (mitochondria-protective properties). BN-82451 was found to exert a significant protection in experimental animal models mimicking aspects of cerebral ischemia, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, and more particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BN-82451 is in phase II clinical trials by Ipsen Pharma for the treatment of Huntington’s disease. In 2015, orphan drug designation was assigned in the U.S. to the compound for the indication.

Betamethasone and its derivatives, betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate, are synthetic glucocorticoids. Used for its antiinflammatory or immunosuppressive properties, betamethasone is combined with a mineralocorticoid to manage adrenal insufficiency and is used in the form of betamethasone benzoate, betamethasone dipropionate, or betamethasone valerate for the treatment of inflammation due to corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Betamethasone and clotrimazole are used together to treat cutaneous tinea infections. Betamethasone is a glucocorticoid receptor agonist. This leads to changes in genetic expression once this complex binds to the GRE. The antiinflammatory actions of corticosteroids are thought to involve lipocortins, phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins which, through inhibition arachidonic acid, control the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The immune system is suppressed by corticosteroids due to a decrease in the function of the lymphatic system, a reduction in immunoglobulin and complement concentrations, the precipitation of lymphocytopenia, and interference with antigen-antibody binding. Betamethasone binds to plasma transcortin, and it becomes active when it is not bound to transcortin.Betamethasone is used for: treating certain conditions associated with decreased adrenal gland function. It is used to treat severe inflammation caused by certain conditions, including severe asthma, severe allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, certain blood disorders, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and certain eye and skin conditions.