Forigerimod (also known as IPP-201101) a phosphopeptide is being investigated for the treatment of Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic. This drug is completed phase III clinical trials and is ready for licensing.

Delcasertib is a peptide inhibitor of protein kinase C-delta, developed by KAI Pharmaceuticals. Delcasertib disrupts binding of delta-PKC to its receptor for activated C kinase, thereby preventing localization of delta-PKC to the mitochondria during periods of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. In preclinical studies, when given as a single intracoronary dose, delcasertib reduced infarct size, enhanced early recovery of regional left ventricular contractility, and improved microvascular patency and function in animal models of acute myocardial infarction. The compound diminished myocardial necrosis and improved reperfusion in a pilot study during the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In a larger clinical trial, however, intravenous infusion of delcasertib during PCI for acute STEMI in a population of patients treated according to the contemporary standard of care did not reduce biomarkers of myocardial injury.

Angiotensin (1-7) [Ang 1-7] is a 7 amino acid peptide generated predominantly from Ang II by the action of Ang-converting enzyme 2. Ang 1-7 can act as a negative modulator of aldosterone secretion in vitro and in vivo. The endogenous heptapeptide angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) is a RAS component that has a central role in the alternative axis. It is generated by the cleavage of Ang-II by the action of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) and acts via interaction with the G-protein coupled receptor Mas. Angiotensin (1-7) induces vasorelaxation through release of NO and prostaglandins, perhaps through activation of a non-AT1, non-AT2 receptor, Mas. Counteracts the vasoconstrictive and proliferative effects of angiotensin II and stimulates vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone) release in vivo. Clinical uses range from treatment of cardiovascular-related diseases, ocular pathologies, metabolic dysfunctions, brain conditions and degenerative diseases to applications in cell differentiation and hematopoiesis, tumor therapy, acute lung injury, fibrosis, infection, among others. Tarix Orphan is developing TXA127 for rare neuromuscular and connective tissue diseases. TXA127 is a pharmaceutical formulation of the naturally occurring peptide, Angiotensin (1-7). TXA127 has been effective in animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), congenital muscular dystrophy MDC1A, Marfan syndrome, and Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB). FDA granted rare pediatric disease designation to TXA127 from Tarix to treat recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). TXA127 has been granted orphan drug status by FDA as a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension, to enhance engraftment in patients receiving a stem cell transplant, and for Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Tarix Orphan has broad IP protection for TXA127 and Orphan Drug Designations (ODDs) have been granted for DMD LGMD and DEB in the U.S., and for DMD in Europe. Tarix Orphan aims to initiate a clinical trials for both DMD and DEB in early 2018 and has an active IND for a Phase II trial in DMD, as well as Fast Track designation for DMD.

Ularitide is a recombinant form of urodilatin, a natriuretic peptide synthesized in the distal tubular cells of the kidney. It regulates renal sodium and water excretion through binding to natriuretic peptide type A receptors, increasing intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. While these effects, as well as others such as vasodilation, are also exhibited by other natriuretic peptides, urodilatin has a terminal extension that brings resistance to biological inactivation by neutral endopeptidase, whose activity is increased in decompensated heart failure. Animal studies have demonstrated enhanced diuresis and natriuresis and reduced PCWP (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) and systemic vascular resistance relative to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP [99-126], the active circulating isoform). When injected into the blood, ularitide appears to cause diuresis (urine output) and natriuresis (sodium excretion), as well as vasodilation. Ularitide is currently in Phase 3 development as a potential treatment for patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

FERTIRELIN is an analog of luteinizing hormone releasing factor. The drug has been used since 1981 in Japan to treat various types of reproductive failure in cattle.

Anaritide (Auriculin-Registered Trademark) is a 25-amino-acid synthetic form of atrial natriuretic peptide. Scios Nova was developing anaritide acetate for use in the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of acute renal failure, heart failure and hypertension. Scios suspended development of AURICULIN® anaritide based upon the results of an interim analysis of data from a 250-patient Phase III study in oliguric acute renal failure. The study was suspended due to the low probability that a positive outcome could be obtained with respect to its primary clinical endpoint, dialysis-free survival.

N-(2-Bromophenyl)-9-Methyl-9-Azabicyclo[3.3.1]Nonan-3-Amine (also known as AT-1001) is a high-affinity and highly selective ligand at α3β4 nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) that was reported to decrease nicotine self-administration in rats. AT-1001 has a single-digit nanomolar binding affinity for the α3β4 nAChR and over 100-fold selectivity over the α4β2 nAChR and α7 nAChR in competition binding experiments. In electrophysiological experiments, AT-1001 had partial agonist activity at the α3β4 nAChR, evoking 35% of maximum ACh response, and at the same doses, produced desensitization of the ACh response, effectively acting as a functional antagonist at the α3β4 nAChR. Interestingly, AT-1001 also selectively decreased self-administration of cigarette smoke extract (CSE), an aqueous extract of cigarette smoke components, without altering natural food intake, when administered systemically to rats trained to self-administer CSE