β-N-Acetyl-D-galactosamine (GalNAc) is an amino sugar derived from galactose found in O-linked and N-linked glycans. As an essential sugar, the role is basically the same for N-acetylgalactosamine as it is for the others, which is to enhance cellular communication. Although there has not been much research to date, what has been done reveals that this saccharide may inhibit the growth of some tumors. For example, colon cancer patients have only half the normal amounts of N-acetylgalactosamine. Studies have shown that colon cancer cells that metastasize make more mucin, making them more likely to form metastases. Therefore, it appears that N-acetylgalactosamine plays an important role in preventing this formation from occurring. N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine glycans is a predictor of metastasis and poor prognosis in a number of human adenocarcinomas, including breast cancer. Lower than normal levels of this sugar has been found in patients with heart disease implying that these conditions may be reversed if a supplementation of N-acetylgalactosamine were to be added to the diet. It appears that β-N-Acetyl-D-galactosamine plays a role in joint function, sweeping away destructive free radicals that can cause inflammation. N-acetylgalactosamine also seems to play an important role in the immune system. Contained in macrophages and neutrophils, it may play a significant role in the etiology of joint inflammation and could be important in such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis. In humans, it is the terminal carbohydrate forming the antigen of blood group A. N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) is a well-defined liver-targeted moiety benefiting from its high affinity with asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR). By conjugating it directly to the oligonucleotides or decorating it to a certain delivery system as a targeting moiety, GalNAc has achieved compelling successes in the development of nucleic acid therapeutics in recent years. Several oligonucleotide modalities are undergoing pivotal clinical studies, followed by a blooming pipeline in the preclinical stage. N-Acetyl-D-galactosamine is used in affinity chromatography, protein chromatography and in carbohydrate matrices. N-Acetyl-D-galactosamine has been used to study periodontal disease and to facilitate the design of potent small-molecule ice recrystallization inhibitors. N-Acetyl-D-galactosamine has also been used to demonstrate a molecular shuttle between extracellular and cytoplasmic space allows for monitoring of GAG biosynthesis.

Pelretin is an antikeratinizing agent that was in phase II trials for the treatment of skin disorders. However, these studies were discontinued. In addition, pelretin was studied in cosmetic as a cream to treat acne and against skin wrinkling. Information about the further development of pelretin is not available.

Josamycin propionate, a tasteless josamycin derivative suitable for the preparation of pediatric oral suspension. After oral administration Josamycin propionate underwent metabolic transformation to Josamycin, semi-synthetic 16-membered ring macrolide, that acts via protein synthesis inhibition.

Tomicorat is an anti-inflammatory agent.

Sipatrigine (BW 619C89), a blocker of neuronal Na+ and Ca2+ channels, has neuroprotective efficacy. This drug was in phase II studies in stroke patients who received iv infusions of sipatrigine. The main adverse events observed were hallucinations and vomiting. The Phase II trial was terminated when Glaxo merged with Wellcome and a decision was made to develop the NMDA (glycine site) receptor antagonist gavestinel (from Glaxo), which showed no efficacy in a randomized, double blind, placebo- controlled trial. It was also assumed, that sipatrigine could have therapeutic potential for major depression and bipolar depression through antagonism of the two-pore-domain K+ channel TREK-1. but further evaluation of its antidepressant therapeutic and toxic effects in animal models is needed before clinical application.

Lorzafone showed a pharmacological profile similar to that of diazepam. It belongs to the novel class of ring-opened derivatives of 1,4-benzodiazepines. It is useful minor tranquilizer and muscle relaxant.

Methyl palmoxirate, an oral hypoglycemic agent, was studied as a selective and irreversible inhibitor of the mitochondrial enzyme carnitine palmitoyltransferase and of long-chain fatty acid oxidation to treat diabetes. In addition, this compound was used to study the brain lipid metabolism by quantitative autoradiography or positron emission tomography (PET).

Enisoprost is a prostaglandin E1 analog. Enisoprost exerts immunosuppressive activity and gastric antisecretory effect. Enisoprost was being studied for the treatment of peptic ulcer and transplant rejection. Enisoprost development has been discontinued.