BVD-523 potently and selectively inhibits ERK1 and ERK2 kinases in a reversible, ATP-competitive fashion. Consistent with its mechanism of action, BVD-523 inhibits signal transduction, cell proliferation, and cell survival, most potently in cell lines bearing mutations that activate MAPK pathway signaling. Similarly, single-agent BVD-523 inhibits tumor growth in vivo in BRAF-mutant melanoma and colorectal xenografts as well as in KRAS-mutant colorectal and pancreatic models. BioMed Valley Discoveries is developing ulixertinib, a potent and selective small molecule inhibitor of ERK 1 and 2 kinases, as an oral treatment for cancers harbouring mutations in the MAPK signaling pathway. Phase I/II development of the drug for advanced cancers including, acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes is underway in the US. A phase I trial is underway in the US for pancreatic cancer.

9cUAB30 is a synthetic analog of 9-cis-RA with little or no RAR-binding activity relative to 9-cis-RA and other RA. 9cUAB30, is a selective rexinoid for the retinoid X nuclear receptors (RXR). Retinoid 9cUAB30 binds to and activates retinoid X receptor (RXR) homodimers and/or and retinoic acid receptor (RAR)/RXR heterodimers, which may result in the dissociation of corepressor protein and the recruitment of coactivator protein, followed by transcription of downstream target genes into mRNAs and protein translation. Gene transcription regulated by these transcription factors may result in inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of cell differentiation, and apoptosis of both normal cells and tumor cells. 9cUAB30 displays substantial chemopreventive capacity with little toxicity and is being translated to the clinic as a novel cancer prevention agent. 9cUAB30 has been assessed in vitro with human cell cultures. Human hepatocytes demonstrated no signs of cytotoxicity with treatment of 9cUAB30 up to 50 umol/L, although when human breast cancer cells were treated with 9cUAB30, they showed a significant inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptotic levels 2.5to 3.5 times the levels of untreated cells. 9cUAB30 inhibits telomerase and induces apoptosis in HL60 cells.

AV608, a 4-aminopiperidine derivative, is a selective, specific, long-acting, orally active and potent nonpeptidic antagonist of the NK-1 receptor. AV-608 had been in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of social phobia and overactive bladder (OAB). This compound was originally discovered by Novartis, and then licensed to Areva Pharmaceuticals in October 2003. Addition this drug was in phase I clinical trial for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), this disease is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and frequent comorbid anxiety. The substance P ⁄ neurokinin-1 receptor system is implicated in the regulation of both pain and anxiety, suggesting a potential therapeutic target in IBS. However, the researches on this drug candidate were discontinued in 2010.

CEP-37440 is a potent ATP-competitive, highly kinase selective, and orally active inhibitor of FAK1 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). In addition to a favorable metabolic stability and pharmacokinetic profile preclinically, CEP-37440 is also a brain penetrant. CEP-37440 was able to inhibit the proliferation of certain IBC cells by decreasing the levels of phospho-FAK1 (Tyr 397); none of the cells expressed ALK. Studies using IBC xenograft models showed that CEP-37440 also effectively reduces the growth of the primary tumor xenografts and inhibits the development of brain metastases in mice.

Tipredane is one of the compounds of a new series of sulfur-containing steroids synthesized at The Squibb Institute for Medical Research and is being developed for topical treatment of human dermatoses. Tipredane is structurally unique in that the classical l7-beta two-carbon side chain and the 17-alpha hydrogen of the steroid have been replaced by two alkylthio substituents. Tipredane has been shown to possess moderate to potent anti-inflammatory activity in various animal models, and to exhibit favorable separation of local anti-inflammatory activity from adverse systemic effects in both animals and humans. After oral administration, [3H]tipredane was rapidly absorbed, metabolized, and excreted into urine and feces. Metabolism of tipredane was rapid and complex, with significant species differences, although the disposition in rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys seemed to be similar to humans. Tipredane had been investigated as the therapeutic agent for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, asthma and skin disorders. However, this development was discontinued.

KOSN-1724, also known as iso-fludelone, is the third-generation epothilone B analogue. It binds to tubulin and induces microtubule polymerization/reduces microtubule depolymerization, resulting in the inhibition of cell division and induction of apoptosis. KOSN-1724 is in phase I clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors.

CUDC-101 is a multi-targeted agent designed to inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor Type 2 (Her2) and histone deacetylase (HDAC). This drug synergistically blocked key regulators of EGFR/HER2 signaling pathways, also attenuating multiple compensatory pathways, such as AKT, HER3, and MET, which enable cancer cells to escape the effects of conventional EGFR/HER2 inhibitors. Thus, a single compound may offer greater therapeutic benefits, which is verified in clinical trial phase I for the treatment patients with advanced head and neck, gastric, breast, liver, and non-small cell lung cancer tumors. In April 2013, CURIS, INC determined that they would discontinue enrolling patients in phase 1 expansion trial of the intravenous formulation of CUDC-101, and that the future development of CUDC-101 would be dependent on our ability to successfully develop an oral formulation of CUDC-101. However, the efforts to develop an effective oral formulation with improved bioavailability have not resulted in significant improvements when compared to the intravenous formulation of CUDC-101. As a result, at this time CURIS no longer plan to make material investments in this program.