Codeine is an opiate used to manage mild to moderate pain severe enough to require an opioid. Codeine is a selective agonist for the mu opioid receptor and has an affinity to delta and kappa-opioid receptors. In some countries, this drug is regulated under various narcotic control laws, because its chronic use can cause physical dependence. In others, it is available without a medical prescription in combination with paracetamol.

Racemethorphan is racemic mixture of Dextromethorphan and Levomethorphan. Racemethorphan is listed under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 and is therefore listed in the United States as a Controlled Substance, specifically as a Narcotic in Schedule II. Dextromethorphan is a non-narcotic morphine derivative widely used as an antitussive. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant in many over-the-counter cold and cough medicines. In 2010, the FDA approved the combination product dextromethorphan/quinidine for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect. Dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex by a direct action on the cough center in the medulla of the brain. Levomethorphan is an opioid analgesic of the morphinan family that has never been marketed.

Asulacrine, also known as CI-921, an inhibitor of topoisomerase II, participated in clinical trials phase II for the treatment of cancer. In spite of the positive and promising results, this drug showed the toxicity, phlebitis that blocks its implementation in the future.

Amonafide L-malate (AS1413, Xanafide) is a DNA intercalator and topoisomerase II inhibitor that induces apoptosis by disrupting chromatin organisation independently of ATP. This is different from classical topoisomerase II inhibitors which induce apoptosis by causing extensive DNA damage. Amonafide L-malate is also able to evade P-glycoprotein and related transporters that contribute to multi-drug resistance. AS1413 had orphan drug status in both the U.S. and the E.U. for the treatment of AML and also received Fast Track status from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of secondary AML. Amonafide L-malate was originated by Xanthus Pharmaceuticals. It was added to Antisoma's pipeline through the acquisition of Xanthus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in June 2008. Antisoma discontinued development of Amonafide L-malate after data from the open-label, international Phase III ACCEDE trial in over 420 patients showed that 600 mg/m 2 IV amonafide for 5 days plus cytarabine missed the primary endpoint of significantly improving initial remission rate, defined as the proportion of patients who achieve CR or CRi, vs. daunorubicin plus cytarabine.

Saprisartan (formerly known as GR 138950) was developed as a potent long-lasting angiotensin II (AT1) receptor antagonist with high oral bioavailability. The drug was used for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. However, these studies were discontinued.

Swainsonine is an indolizidine alkaloid found in Australian Swainsona canescens, North American plants of the genera Astragalus and Oxytropis and also in the fungus Rhizoctonia leguminocola. It is competitive inhibitor of Golgi alpha-mannosidase II and lysosomal alpha-mannosidases. This compound has been reported to be a potent antiproliferative and immunomodulatory agent. However, no evidence of anti-tumor activity of swainsonine was seen in phase II clinical trial, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Adverse events such as fatigue, nausea and diarrhea were common but generally mild. Swainsonine is locoweed toxin. Locoweed poisoning is seen throughout the world and annually costs the livestock industry millions of dollars. Swainsonine inhibits lysosomal alpha-mannosidase and Golgi mannosidase II. Poisoned animals are lethargic, anorexic, emaciated, and have neurologic signs that range from subtle apprehension to seizures.

Etorphine was the first potent opiate agonist employed primarily for use in non-domestic and wild species. Etorphine was 500 times as potent as morphine, with a very rapid onset and short duration of action. In morphine-dependent subjects, etorphine suppressed abstinence but for a shorter period than morphine. Etorphine is a full opiate agonist and binds to multiple opiate sites in the central nervous system. It is believed to produce its clinical effects through binding the µ-, δ-, and κ- opiate sites. It has a potent effect on depressing the respiratory centers of the CNS thus resulting in apnea being commonly seen in immobilized animals. Etorphine revolutionized the ability of biologists and veterinarians to safely capture and restrain many species that previously could not be handled. Etorphine is not currently commercially available due to lack of production by the manufacturer.

Phencyclidine is an illegal, hallucinogenic drug that was initially used as an anesthetic agent in the 1950s and early 1960s, but was then withdrawn in 1965 because of dissociative hallucinogenic effects that were often disturbing and sometimes severe and prolonged. Phencyclidine is a noncompetitive NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist and glutamate receptor antagonist, but also interacts with other receptor sites, and may have effects with dopamine, opioid and nicotinic receptors. Phencyclidine disrupts the functioning of receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate, which plays a major role in the perception of pain as well as in learning, memory, and emotion. It also influences the actions of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which causes the euphoria associated with drug use. Phencyclidine overdose deaths may occur after taking a large dose, though many phencyclidine related deaths result from delusions and other psychological consequences of the drug’s use. There have been reports of death due to accidental drowning, leaping from high places, and motor vehicle accidents in addition to violent episodes of self-mutilation, suicides, and homicides.