Brivaracetam (UCB 34714, trade name Briviact), the 4-n-propyl analog of levetiracetam, is a racetam derivative with anticonvulsant properties. Briviact is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 16 years of age and older with epilepsy. Brivaracetam is believed to act by binding to the ubiquitous synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A), like levetiracetam, but with 20-fold greater affinity. There is some evidence that racetams including levetiracetam and brivaracetam access the luminal side of recycling synaptic vesicles during vesicular endocytosis. They may reduce excitatory neurotransmitter release and enhance synaptic depression during trains of high-frequency activity, such as is believed to occur during epileptic activity.

Osimertinib is an oral, third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) drug developed by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. Its use is indicated for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in cases where tumour EGFR expression is positive for the T790M mutation as detected by FDA-approved testing and which has progressed following therapy with a first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Approximately 10% of patients with NSCLC have a rapid and clinically effective response to EGFR-TKIs due to the presence of specific activating EGFR mutations within the tumour cells. More specifically, deletions around the LREA motif in exon 19 and exon 21 L858R point mutations are correlated with response to therapy. Osimertinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that binds to certain mutant forms of EGFR (T790M, L858R, and exon 19 deletion) that predominate in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumours following treatment with first-line EGFR-TKIs. As a third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, osimertinib is specific for the gate-keeper T790M mutation which increases ATP binding activity to EGFR and results in poor prognosis for late-stage disease. Furthermore, osimertinib has been shown to spare wild-type EGFR during therapy, thereby reducing non-specific binding and limiting toxicity. Osimertinib is marketed under the brand name Tagrisso.

Alectinib is a second generation oral drug that selectively inhibits the activity of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase. It was developed by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Japan, which is part of the Hoffmann-La Roche group. Alectinib is specifically used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) expressing the ALK-EML4 (echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4) fusion protein that causes proliferation of NSCLC cells. Inhibition of ALK prevents phosphorylation and subsequent downstream activation of STAT3 and AKT resulting in reduced tumour cell viability. Approved under accelerated approval in 2015, alectinib is indicated for use in patients who have progressed on or were not tolerant of crizotinib, which is associated with the development of resistance. Alectinib is marketed as Alecensa.

Eluxadoline, an orally active mixed μ opioid receptor (μOR) agonist δ opioid receptor (δOR) antagonist. Eluxadoline normalizes gastrointestinal (GI) transit and defecation under conditions of novel environment stress or post-inflammatory altered GI function. Allergan (previously Actavis) is developing eluxadoline for the treatment of diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. The agent was originated by Janssen Pharmaceutica. Eluxadoline has been launched in the US under trade name VIBERZI (eluxadoline) tablets, while is at the preregistration stage in the EU.

Cariprazine is an antipsychotic approved by FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. The drug has a unique clinical action which is explained by its ability to act on dopamine D3 receptors. Pharmacology studies revealed that cariprazine is a dual partial agonist of dopamine D2 and D3 receptors as well as serotonin 5HT1a, 2a and 2b receptors.

Cangrelor is a P2Y12 inhibitor that has been approved as an antiplatelet drug. It is marketed in the US under the brand name Kengreal and in Europe as Kengrexal. Cangrelor is an intravenous, direct-acting reversible P2Y12 inhibitor for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Flibanserin is the first drug to be approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women by the FDA in August 2015. It was originally developed as an antidepressant medication by Boehringer Ingelheim, but showed lack of efficacy in trials and was further developed as a hypoactive sexual disorder drug by Sprout Pharmaceuticals. Flibanserin's mechanism of action is attributed to its high affinity for 5-HTA1 and 5-HTA2 receptors, displaying agonist activity on 5-HTA1 and antagonist on 5-HTA2, resulting in lowering of serotonin in the brain as well as an effect on increasing norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters. Flibansetrin has high affinity for serotonin receptors in the brain: it acts as an agonist on 5-HT1A and an antagonist on 5-HT2A. In vivo, flibanserin binds equally to 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. However, under higher levels of brain 5-HT (i.e., under stress), flibanserin may occupy 5-HT2A receptors in higher proportion than 5-HT(1A) receptors. It may also moderately antagonize D4 (dopamine) receptors and 5-HT2B and 5-HTB2C. Its action on neurotransmitter receptors may contribute to reduction in serotonin levels and increase in dopamine and norepinephrine levels, all of which may play part in reward processing. Flibanserin is sold under the trade name Addyi and indicated for the treatment of premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) as characterized by low sexual desire that causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.

Vorapaxar is a tricyclic himbacine-derived oral thrombin receptor antagonist that acts by reversible inhibition of the protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1). PAR-1 is expressed on platelets and its inhibition prevents platelets from aggregation. Vorapaxar is approved by FDA and is indicated for the reduction of recurring thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction or with peripheral arterial disease. Vorapaxar at the same time may cause bleeding complications including intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), when compared to standard therapy alone. That is why Vorapaxar is contraindicated in patients with prior stroke, transient ischemic attack and ICH.

Eliglustat, marketed by Genzyme as CERDELGA, is a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor indicated for the long-term treatment of type 1 Gaucher disease who are CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers, intermediate metabolizers, or poor metabolizers (PMs) as detected by an FDA-cleared test.

Olodaterol is a beta2-adrenoceptor agonist discovered by Boehringer Ingelheim and approved for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The compound exerts its pharmacological effects by binding and activation of beta2-adrenoceptors after inhalation. Activation of these receptors in the airways results in a stimulation of intracellular adenyl cyclase, an enzyme that mediates the synthesis of cyclic-3’, 5’ adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Elevated levels of cAMP induce bronchodilation by relaxation of airway smooth muscle cells. Olodaterol effect lasts for 24 hours.