NMED-160 (also known as MK-6721, NP-118809, Z-160) is a potent N-type calcium channel blockers, which has good selectivity over L-type calcium channels. Neuromed Pharmaceuticals developed this compound for the treatment of the chronic pain. However, that study was discontinued in 2007 in spite of absence of adverse events, but because drug did not demonstrate the ideal, pharmaceutical characteristics considered necessary to advance the compound further in development. Then Zalicus, Inc. was developing that drug for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain associated with lumbosacral radiculopathy and post-herpetic neuralgia and drug was in the phase II clinical trial. Nevertheless, based on the result from trials, where Z160 did not meet the primary endpoint, Zalicus was also discontinuing the Z160 program.

Dexanabinol is the synthetic cannabinoid. It is inactive as a cannabimimetic, but exhibits pharmacological properties characteristic of an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonist. It blocks NMDA-receptors stereospecifically by interacting with a site close to, but distinct from, that of uncompetitive NMDA-receptor antagonists and from the recognition sites of glutamate, glycine, and polyamines. This agent also scavenges peroxy radicals and protects neurons from the damages of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, dexanabinol inhibits the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), thereby preventing the expression of NF-kB target genes, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Dexanabinol is a potent cerebroprotective agent, with a therapeutic window of about 4 h. Dexanabinol is safe, but is not efficacious in the treatment of traumatic brain injury. It was introduced into clinical trials for breast cancer and advanced solid tumors.

Gallium maltolate is an oral agent in development for the potential treatment of chronic bacterial infections, bone disease and cancer. The bioavailable form, composed of a trivalent gallium cation (Ga3+) competes with and replaces Fe3+ in many vital Fe 3+-mediated biological reactions, but cannot mimic Fe3+ functions. High amounts of iron are needed for DNA synthesis in cancer, and the incorporation of Ga3+ inactivates the Fe3+-dependent enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RR), an enzyme essential for DNA synthesis, leading to an inhibition of DNA synthesis and induction of cell death in rapidly proliferating cells. Gallium similarly reduces bacterial cell growth. Ga3+ is also able to suppress inflammation through the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cells and the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Other effects that have been mentioned are analgesic effects, interference with the activity of certain metalloproteinases and neuropeptides that are implicated in pain, and prevention of the destruction of bone by tumors. Gallium maltolate is being investigated for use/treatment in bladder cancer, lymphoma (unspecified), multiple myeloma, paget's disease, and prostate cancer.

Darinaparsin is a novel mitochondrial-targeted agent being developed for the treatment of various hematologic and solid cancers. In a Phase II study in the US, intravenous darinaparsin demonstrated evidence of clinical activity in malignant lymphoma, and in particular peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Darinaparsin was granted Orphan Drug Designation in the US and Europe as a treatment of PTCL. The oral formulation is also being tested in Phase I for the treatment of solid tumors. Darinaparsin induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumor cells, primarily through disruption of mitochondrial functions, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and modulation of signal transduction pathways.

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).

Flindokalner (BMS 204352; MaxiPost™) is a neuroprotective agent with potential in the treatment of stroke developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Flindokalner is a potent and effective opener of two important subtypes of neuronal potassium channels, the calcium-activated, big-conductance potassium channels (K(Ca) channels) and voltage-dependent, non-inactivating potassium channels known as KCNQ channels. Flindokalner significantly reduced cortical infarct volume in a animal models of stroke. Flindokalner failed to show superior efficacy in acute stroke patients compared to placebo in a Phase III study.

CTS-1027 (Ro-1130830) is a hydroxamic acid matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibitor. CTS-1027 was originally designed as a strong inhibitor of MMP-2, -3, -8, -9, -12, -13 and -14, without inhibiting MMP-1 and MMP-7. CTS-1027 was proved to be safe in clinical trials for osteoarthritis conducted by Roche. CTS-1027 was then licensed from Roche to Conatus Pharmaceuticals and was investigated as a protector from liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus patients. The development of the drug was discontinued due to laboratory abnormalities and adverse events in a subset of clinical trial participants.

Rebeccamycin analog (RA, Becatecarin/ BMS 181176, rebeccamycin derivative, NSC 655649) is an antitumor antibiotic with inhibitory activity against both topoisomerase I and II, and DNA-intercalating properties. The mechanism of action of becatecarin is not exactly known, but it is thought that by inhibiting (blocking) the function of topoisomerase enzymes, it will destroy cancer cells and slow down the growth of the tumour. On 25 July 2006, orphan designation (EU/3/06/388) was granted by the European Commission to Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Ireland, for becatecarin for the treatment of cancers of the biliary tree.

Gemcabene calcium (PD 72953), the monocalcium salt of a dialkyl ether dicarboxylic acid, is a lipid-regulating compound that was first described in 1998. It down-regulates apolipoprotein C-III expression, enhancing the clearance of very low density lipoprotein (LDL), and reduces plasma triglycerides. It also raises high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). Unlike fibrates (blood trygliceride level lowering drugs), its mechanism of action is not linked to agonist or antagonist activity on PPAR-α receptors. There is limited information on the exact mechanism of action, but an anti-inflammatory profile was found, associated with a lowered expression of the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein gene regulating mechanisms. Gemcabene (administered as 6, 6’-oxybis [2, 2-dimethyl-4-hexanoic acid] monocalcium salt) has been investigated for treatment in a wide range of hyperlipidaemias, as well as atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disorders. Gemcabene is generally well tolerated. One phase 2 study testing the preliminary efficacy and safety of gemcabene in children with established nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has been stopped early due to increasing weight and a rise in liver fat content in patients. Clinical trials are still ongoing.

Eniluracil (5-ethynyluracil, GW 776, 776C85) is a potent irreversible inhibitor of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, the first enzyme in the catabolic pathway of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), the most widely used drug in cancer chemotherapy. Eniluracil increases the oral bioavailability of 5-FU to 100%, facilitating uniform absorption and predictable toxicity. Eniluracil was being developed as a novel modulator of 5-FU for the treatment of cancer.