Picumeterol (GR114297A) is a potent and highly selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonist with a longer duration of action than salbutamol, but shorter than salmeterol. Picumeterol is the (R)-isomer of the racemic entity GR63411B, and picumeterol has been shown to be about 40 times more potent than the (S)-isomer (GR114744A) in various in vitro pharmacological models of beta2-agonist activity. Picumeterol is of potential value in the treatment of asthma and related diseases in man following inhalation administration. In the clinical studies, the bronchodilator potencies of picumeterol and GR 63411B were similar. However, both drugs were short-acting, which is at odds with their activity in vitro. These compounds display dissociation between bronchodilator activity and protection against methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction.

Nitralamine is an antifungal agent.

Ezatiostat (TLK199) [γ-glutamyl-S-(benzyl)cysteinyl-R-phenyl glycine diethyl ester] is an inhibitor of Glutathione S-transferase P1–1 (GSTπ). The drug is a peptidomimetic of GSH (glutathione), esterified to enhance cellular uptake and designed to bind to the “G-site” of GSTP1–1. Independent of catalysis inhibition, TLK199 also disrupts the protein:protein interaction site(s) between GSTP1–1 and JNK1. Telik Inc was developing TLK-199 for the potential prevention of myelosuppression in blood diseases, namely myelodysplastic syndrome.

Varespladib (LY315920; A-001) is a potent and selective inhibitor of IIa, V, and X isoforms of human non-pancreatic secretory phospholipase A2 with nM IC50. The molecule acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by disrupting the first step of the arachidonic acid pathway of inflammation. Varespladib methyl is being developed by Anthera Pharmaceuticals Inc for the potential treatment of coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome and inflammation. Varespladib methyl is a prodrug that is rapidly metabolized to varespladib, and both compounds are able to potently inhibit the enzymes of the human secretory phospholipase groups. Phase II clinical trials of varespladib methyl in patients with coronary artery disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and ulcerative colitis revealed that the drug was well tolerated. Varespladib methyl did not demonstrate a good efficacy profile in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and ulcerative colitis; whereas in patients with coronary artery disease, varespladib methyl consistently reduced LDL-cholesterol levels, (elevated LDL-cholesterol levels are a marker of increased cardiovascular risk). Varespladib methyl could represent a novel therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, although the efficacy, safety profile and advantages of this drug compared with existing therapeutic options would need to be established in upcoming phase III trials.

Englitazone is a thiazolidinedione antidiabetic agent. It has insulinomimetic and insulin-enhancing actions in vitro and glucose-, insulin-, triglyceride-, and cholesterol-lowering properties in an animal model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. It acts as a peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligand. Englitazone inhibits ATP-sensitive potassium and calcium-activated non-selective cation channels in a voltage-independent manner.

Allocupreide is a copper(l) complex used as an antiinflammatory drug and antiarthritic agent. It was used for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Dexecadotril is powerful and selective inhibitor of neprilysin. It is anti-hypotensive agent. Dexecadotril was found to possess chemoprotective activity. It might be biologically active against multiple myeloma. It was under clinical evaluation as an intestinal antisecretatory agent.

Iodipamide I-131is a radiolabeled Iodipamide patented by Regents of the University of Michigan for treating diseases and conditions associated with mitochondrial function.

Sulfonterol is a benzenemethanol derivative patented by Smith Kline and French Laboratories as a bronchodilator. Sulfonterol acts as a β-adrenergic partial agonist.

Anamorelin is a first-in-class, orally active ghrelin receptor agonist that binds and stimulates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor centrally, thereby mimicking the appetite-enhancing and anabolic effects of ghrelin. Anamorelin is under development by Helsinn Therapeutics for the treatment of cancer cachexia and anorexia. Anamorelin has completed phase III clinical trials for the treatment of cancer cachexia and anorexia associated with non-small-cell lung carcinoma. Results of the studies were positive, and the drug is now in preregistration with the European Medicines Agency.