PYM50018 (also known as Myogane or SARSAGENIN) has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in several preclinical models. It was observed that PYM50018 protects against neuronal damage, increases neurite outgrowth, reverses oxidative damage and reversed neuronal apoptosis. PYM50018 is in phase I clinical study for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The dihydrochloride salt of nolatrexed, a water-soluble lipophilic quinazoline folate analog with antineoplastic activity. Nolatrexed occupies the folate binding site of thymidylate synthase, resulting in inhibition of thymidylate synthase activity and thymine nucleotide synthesis with subsequent inhibition of DNA replication, DNA damage, S-phase cell cycle arrest, and caspase-dependent apoptosis. This agent also exhibits radiosensitizing activity. Orphan designation of nolatrexed was granted in the Unites States of America for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Verucerfont (formerly GSK561679), a corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) receptor 1 antagonist, is being developed by GlaxoSmithKline under the license from Neurocrine Biosciences, for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Verucerfont is a potent, selective CRF1 receptor antagonist (IC50 for CRF1, CRF2, and CRF-BP ~ 6.1, >1000 and >1000 nM, respectively), and is orally available and brain penetrant. Verucerfont is in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder or alcoholism. The compound was also in trials for the treatment of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). However, this research has been discontinued. In 2015, orphan drug designation was received in U.S. for the indication.

Linsitinib is an inhibitor of the insulin receptor and the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, which may result in the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and the induction of tumor cell apoptosis. Linsitinib is in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic prostate carcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors and other cancers. Common adverse events included fatigue, nausea hyperglycaemia and anorexia.

Picoplatin is a sterically hindered platinum (II) complex with antineoplastic properties developed for the treatment of cis-platin-resistant cancer. Picoplatin alkylates DNA, forming both inter- and intra-strand cross-linkages, resulting in inhibition of DNA replication and transcription, and the induction of apoptosis. However, in Phase III trials, picoplatin failed to meet its primary endpoint for advanced cell lung cancer. It remains in development for other cancers.

Cilengitide is a cyclized Arg-Gly-Glu (RGD)-containing pentapeptide that selectively blocks activation of the αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins. Its precursor was first synthesized in 1995 as c(RGDfV), and later modified by the incorporation of N-methyl Val c(RGDfMetV), generating the current form of the drug. Cilengitide displays subnanomolar antagonistic activity for αvβ3 and αvβ5, and is the first integrin antagonist evaluated in clinical phase I and II trials for treatment of glioblastoma and several other tumor types. Cilengitide-induced glioma cell death and inhibition of blood vessel formation may use different molecular mechanisms, including regulation of tumor hypoxia and activation of apoptotic pathways. Cilengitide inhibits cell signaling through FAK-Src-Akt and Erk mediated pathways in endothelial and tumor cells and attenuates the effect of VEGF stimulation on growth factor signaling. Cilengitide has shown encouraging activity in patients with glioblastoma as single agent, and in association with standard RT and temozolomide.

Amelubant, its metabolite BIIL 260 (formed by removal of the ethoxycarbonyl protecting group), and its major metabolite BIIL 315 (formed by removal of the protecting group and glucuronidation) had potent in vitro and in vivo Leukotriene B4 receptor antagonistic properties. Amelubant has been in phase II clinical trials by Boehringer Ingelheim for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonay disease, bronchial asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. However, this research has been discontinued. In 2002, orphan drug designation was received in E.U. for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Serious adverse events of Amelubant were characterized by increased presentation of respiratory signs and/or symptoms associated with pulmonary exacerbation and resulted in admission to a hospital and/or administration of IV antibiotics.

Amsilarotene (TAC-101) is a retinobenzoic acid (RAR) derivative with high affinity to the RAR-alpha receptor. It is a Retinoic acid receptor alpha antagonist. Amsilarotene is an orally absorbed synthetic retinoid. This analogue of vitamin A (retinol) binds to nuclear retinoic acid receptor-a (RAR-a), activates RAR-a transcriptional activity, and has shown antitumor activity in primary and metastatic preclinical models of liver cancer. Amsilarotene inhibits retinoblastoma-gene product (RB) phosphorylation and increases the presence of 2 cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors, resulting in cell cycle arrest. This agent also causes a cytotoxic decline in cyclin A and thymidylate synthase expression.Amsilarotene inhibits tumor growth in the liver with low toxicity and markedly improves survival in both primary HCC and metastatic colon cancer models. It was in phase II clinical development with Taiho Pharmaceutical for liver cancer, however it was discontinued.

Lestaurtinib (CEP-701, KT-5555) is an orally bio-available polyaromatic indolocarbazole alkaloid derived from K-252a. Lestaurtinib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor which has been shown to potently inhibit FLT3 at nanomolar concentrations in preclinical studies, leading to its rapid development as a potential targeted agent for treatment of AML. Phase I studies have shown lestaturtinib to be an active agent particularly when used in combination with cytotoxic drugs. Currently, Phase II and Phase III studies are underway aiming to establish the future of this agent as a treatment option for patients with FLT3-ITD AML.

Bryostatin 1 is a macrocyclic lactone which can be isolated from the marine bryozoan, Bugula neritina. The effects of bryostatin 1 are attributed to its ability to selectively modulate the activity of two of the three subgroups of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes. PKC isozymes are divided into three subgroups which differ in their molecular structures and co-factor requirements: classical PKC (cPKC), novel PKC (nPKC), and atypical PKC (aPKC). Bryostatin-1 modulates nPKC activity independent of a Ca2+ signaling. It activates cPKC only when associated with Ca2+ signaling. And, aPKC activity is not sensitive to bryostatin-1 administration. Ca2+ signals play an important role in synaptic transmission and information processing which creates a biological environment where Bryostatin-1 possesses a unique action profile. Bryostatin-1 will not affect cPKC activity in neurons which are not functioning as an active part of the signaling processing circuit with significant Ca2+influx and intracellular Ca2+ release. Bryostatin 1 is in phase II clinical trials for investigation as an anticancer agent; specifically for treatment of metastatic or recurrent head and neck cancer, ovarian epithelial cancer that has not responded to previous chemotherapy, and myelodysplastic syndrome. Bryostatin 1 has also generated interest as an investigational compound for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.