NPV-LEQ506 is an orally bioavailable small-molecule Smoothened (Smo) antagonist with potential antineoplastic activity. NPV-LEQ506 selectively binds to the Hedgehog (Hh)-ligand cell surface receptor Smo, which may result in the suppression of the Hh signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting tumor cell growth. NPV-LEQ506 is a second-generation inhibitor of smoothened (Smo) with IC50s of 2 and 4 nM in human and mouse, respectively. NPV-LEQ506 has been in clinical trials with Novartis studying the treatment of advanced solid tumors, recurrent or refractory medulloblastoma, and locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma.

Foxy-5, a wingless-type mammary tumor virus integration site 5A (WNT5A)-mimicking peptide, was studied for the treatment of cancer. Foxy-5 is participating in phase II clinical trial as neo-adjuvant therapy for the treatment of patients with wnt-5a low colon cancer. Besides, Foxy-5 was used in phase I clinical trial, for the treatment of prostate cancer patients with tumors exhibiting absent or low WNT5A expression.

Oleandrin is a toxic cardiac glycoside found in oleander (Nerium oleander L.). Along with neandrin it is primarily responsible for the toxicity of the sap of oleander. Oleandrin has been used for many years in China and Russia for its properties as a cardiac glycoside, for both suicidal and therapeutic purposes as in treatment of cardiac insufficiency. Because of its properties as a cardiac glycoside, oleandrin interferes in some essential processes within the cell, the most important of these being the inhibition of the Na-K ATPase. This protein enables the cell to exchange the cations Na+ and K+ between the intercellular and extracellular spaces by which, for instance, electronic signaling is made possible in nerve cells. Oleandrin binds to specific amino acids in the protein, causing it to lose its function. After depolarization of the cell in which Na+ flows into the cell, the Na+ cannot be transported back into the extracellular membrane, causing the sodium gradient to disappear. This gradient is the driving force for other transport proteins, such as the sodium-calcium exchanger, which plays an important role in cardiomyocytes. To make muscle contraction possible, a calcium influx from the extracellular fluid into the cell is crucial. After the muscle contraction, the calcium is normally pumped out of the cell and exchanged for sodium. When the sodium gradient is depleted, calcium cannot be pumped back and, as a consequence, accumulates in the cardiomyocyte. As a result of the high calcium concentration, actin and myosin filaments will bind stronger, unable to relax properly to make a new contraction possible. This may result in cardiac arrhythmias, in the worst case decreasing cardiac output and causing a shortage in oxygen supply in vital tissues. Apart from being a potent toxic compound, it may also be used in therapeutic ways. Both oleandrin and oleandrigenin, as well as their relatives, may be able to inhibit proliferation of tumor cells and stimulate their apoptosis as a result of the high concentration of intracellular calcium. In addition, it inhibits excretion of fibroblast growth factor 2 through membrane interaction and through inhibition of the Na,K-ATPase pump. However, there are no results from clinical testing on humans that support any use as a cancer treatment. Oleandrin has been reported to be lethal, but exact dosages are not fully documented. The fatal blood concentration of oleandrin has been estimated for humans to be approximately 20 ng/ml in decreased blood by extrapolation of intoxication symptoms. Symptoms present in poisoned animals include bloody diarrhea and colic, the latter especially in horses. Because the leaf itself is quite bitter, only starving animals will be likely to eat the plant. The lethal dosage for animals is estimated to be about 0.5 mg/kg.

Vatiquinone is the international non-proprietary name for Edison Pharmaceuticals’ EPI-743, an orally bioavailable small molecule being developed by the company for inherited mitochondrial diseases. EPI-743 is a member of the para-benzoquinone class of drugs. The mechanism of action of EPI-743 involves augmenting the synthesis of glutathione, optimizing metabolic control, enhancing the expression of genetic elements critical for cellular management of oxidative stress, and acting at the mitochondria to regulate electron transport. EPI-743 is a compound being developed by BioElectron (previously known as Edison Pharmaceuticals) to treat Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), a rare, autosomal recessive genetic disorder. The regulation of oxidative stress is disturbed in people with FA. EPI-743 targets NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), helping to increase the biosynthesis of glutathione, a compound essential for the control of oxidative stress. The drug does not target any FA-specific biochemical pathways directly, but helps to improve the regulation of cellular energy metabolism in general. Vatiquinone has been investigated for the treatment and prevention of retinopathy, rett syndrome, parkinson's disease, noise-induced hearing loss, and methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria, Cblc type. The FDA previously granted orphan drug designation for Edison’s EPI-743 to treat inherited respiratory chain diseases of the mitochondria and Friedreich’s ataxia. The company received orphan drug designation for EPI-743 from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and European Medicines Agency Committee on Orphan Products for the treatment of Leigh syndrome.

Sepranolone (UC1010) is a GABA-A modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA) and does not antagonize the effect of GABA itself or other GABAA agonists like benzodiazepines and barbiturates. The interaction of neuroactive steroids (i.e., allopregnanolone and Sepranolone) with GABA-A receptor is particularly important in mood disorders. For example, allopregnanolone administration decreased saccadic eye velocity in healthy female volunteers and induced sedation and these effects were diminished by simultaneous sepranolone administration. Thus, allopregnanolone effects are antagonized by its isomer sepranolone. UC1010 reduces symptom severity and impairment significantly more efficiently than placebo in women with a well-defined, pure premenstrual dysphoric disorder. No severe adverse events were reported during the UC1010 treatment and safety parameters (vital signs and blood chemistry) remained normal during the study. It was revealed also that increases in ring A-reduced progesterone metabolites, particularly Sepranolone, are associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

ITX-5061, an arylketoamide derivative, is a scavenger receptor B1 antagonist and a potent hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry inhibitor. It entered phase I clinical trial in liver transplant recipients with HCV but the trial was terminated.

GPX-150 is an anthracycline compound that is being tested for treatment in patients with soft-tissue sarcomas. This doxorubicin (DOX) analog does not show the cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity of DOX. It works by reducing the formation of reactive oxygen species and the cardiotoxic metabolite, doxorubiciniol, the two pathways that are linked to the irreversible cardiotoxicity seen with DOX. Phase 1 clinical trials showed no irreversible, cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. A phase 2 study investigating the safety and efficacy of GPX-150 in patients with soft tissue sarcoma has been completed. No patients developed any evidence of irreversible, cumulative dose-dependent chronic cardiotoxicity. Toxicities reported include grade 3 anemia, neutropenia, and grade 4 leukopenia.

VILANTEROL α-PHENYL CINNAMATE (GW642444H), originally developed by GlaxoSmithKline, is a long-acting β2 adrenoceptor agonist for once daily treatment of COPD and asthma. Phase III clinical trials are ongoing. GW642444H is Vilanterol a-phenylcinnimate salt. In clinical studies the study drug may been given as a dry powder in the form of either the ‘H’ salt (with the excipient lactose), or in the form of the ‘M’ salt (with the excipients lactose and cellobiose octaacetate). Its pharmacological effect is attributable to stimulation of intracellular adenylyl cyclase which catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Increases in cyclic AMP are associated with relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of hypersensitivity mediators from mast cells in the lungs.

Gluceptate sodium also known as sodium glucoheptonate (H-Quest A300) is a non-toxic, a non-hazardous chelating agent, which forms stable complexes with di- and trivalent metal ions such as Ca2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Al3+, etc. This substance is highly compatible with strong alkaline mediums and can prevent the bacterial degradation of the solution. Gluceptate sodium has various applications in water treatment, agricultural, cosmetics, textile processing and in some others fields.

LANOPEPDEN is an inhibitor of peptide deformylase, a bacterial enzyme required for protein maturation. It was in development for the treatment of complicated bacterial skin infection and hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia.