Ephedrine (l-form) is an alkaloid, which was initially purified from Ephedra plant. The extract form Ephedra has been used in China for medicinal purposes for several thousand years. Ephedrine acts as an agonist at alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors and indirectly causes the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons. The drug crosses the blood brain barrier and stimulates the central nervous system. Ephedrine products are now banned in many countries, as they are a major source for the production of the addictive compound methamphetamine. FDA has approved ephedrine only for the treatment of clinically important hypotension occurring in the setting of anesthesia.

Codeine is an opiate used to manage mild to moderate pain severe enough to require an opioid. Codeine is a selective agonist for the mu opioid receptor and has an affinity to delta and kappa-opioid receptors. In some countries, this drug is regulated under various narcotic control laws, because its chronic use can cause physical dependence. In others, it is available without a medical prescription in combination with paracetamol.

ISOMETHADONE HYDROBROMIDE, DL- is a hydrobromide salt of isomethadone, a synthetic opioid analgesic. This is a controlled substance in the US.

Pomisartan, also known as BIBR-363, is an angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist. It was investigated for the treatment of Congestive heart failure and hypertension. However, no development reports available at this moment.

Abitesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, antihypertensive (non-peptidic) agent.

PBT-1033, also known as PBT-2, is a neural protective agent potentially for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's Disease. PBT-1033 is a moderate-affinity 8-hydroxyquinoline transition metal-ligand that acts as a synthetic chaperone, re distributing copper, zinc, and iron from locations where they are abundant to subcellular locations where they might be deficient. Delivery of copper and zinc by PBT-1033 into the cytoplasm deactivates the kinase glycogen synthase kinase 3β and the phosphatase calcineurin, both potential targets for Huntington’s disease. In aged wild-type mice, PBT-1033 improves cognitive ability and markers of neuronal plasticity and function. In Alzheimer’s disease mouse models, PBT-1033 inhibits the accumulation of amyloid β, attenuates neuropathological effects of amyloid β, including amyloid-β-induced hyperphosphorylation of tau, and improves cognition. In a 12-week, phase 2a, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 78 individuals with mild Alzheimer’s dementia, PBT-1033 was safe and well tolerated and significantly reduced concentrations of amyloid β42 in CSF.

Bristol-Myers Squibb developed BMS-919373, a selective IKur inhibitor for use in atrial fibrillation, acute coronary syndromes, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. IKur is a repolarizing K+ current encoded by the KCNA5 gene and is expressed predominantly in the atrium of human. IKur is a potential atrial-selective target for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. BMS-919373 participated in phase II clinical trials to evaluate the effect on atrial fibrillation burden in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. In addition, in phase I clinical trials for patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, further, developments have been discontinued.

CG-200745 is a novel inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs), initially developed by CrystalGenomics, Inc for treatment of various hematological and solid cancers. Combinations of CG-200745 with SN38 (the active form of irinotecan), or oxaliplatin were more effective than the agents alone when used to inhibit the growth of HCT116 cells. The protein expressions of acetyl-H3, p21, caspase-3, -8, and -9, PARP, and XIAP were affected in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HCT116 cells treated with the CG-200745 alone or combined CG-200745 and SN-38. In HCT116 xenografts, the HDACI CG-200745 in combination with irinotecan dramatically inhibited tumor growth without showing additive toxicity.

JNJ-40411813 (aka ADX71149) is a metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) positive allosteric modulator (PAM) that has the potential to be the first oral non-dopaminergic drug that may address both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and other indications, such as anxiety. ADX71149 is differentiated from marketed antipsychotics in that it may also show efficacy on negative symptoms and avoid compliance-limiting side effects such as weight gain, hyperprolactinemia and extrapyramidal symptoms, which are associated with the use of dopamine antagonists. The development of ADX71149 is part of a worldwide research collaboration and license agreement between Addex and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This drug was also investigated for use as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), however, these studies were discontinued. JNJ-40411813 is now in phase II clinical trial for the treatment of epilepsy.