MK-8776 (SCH-900776) is a checkpoint kinase 1 inhibitor which was developed by Merck for the treatment of cancer. The drug was tested in phase II clinical trials on patients suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (in combination with cytarabine) and in phase I on patients suffering from solid tumors or lymphoma (as monotherapy and in combination with gemcitabine).

Saikosaponin A is a triterpene saponin found in Bupleurum that exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuromodulatory, anticancer, and immunosuppressive activities. Saikosaponin A decreases production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-2 and increases mechanical withdrawal thresholds and thermal withdrawal thresholds in animal models of chronic constructive injury. Saikosaponin A also decreases self-administration of cocaine and morphine. In colon carcinoma cells, saikosaponin A causes activation of caspases 2, 3, 8, and 9 and PARP, induces apoptosis, and decreases expression of Bcl-2 and XIAP. Additionally, this compound inhibits the proliferation and activation of ConA-treated T cells, inducing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and decreasing expression of TNF-α, IL-2, and IFN-γ.