Tazemetostat (EPZ-6438) is a selective inhibitor of histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EZH2. The drug is under clinical development (phase II) for the treatment of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, Malignant Mesothelioma and Synovial Sarcoma.

TUCATINIB (ONT-380 or ARRY-380) is an orally active, reversible and selective small-molecule HER2 inhibitor invented by Array and licensed to Cascadian Therapeutics (previously named Oncothyreon) for development, manufacturing and commercialization. HER2, a growth factor receptor that is over-expressed in multiple cancers, including breast, ovarian, and stomach cancer. HER2 mediates cell growth, differentiation and survival, and tumors that overexpress HER2 are more aggressive and historically have been associated with poorer overall survival compared with HER2-negative cancers. ONT-380 is highly active as a single agent and in combination with both chemotherapy and Herceptin® (trastuzumab) in xenograft models of HER2+ breast cancer, including models of CNS metastases that were refractory to Tykerb® (lapatinib) or neratinib treatment. In a Phase 1 single agent clinical study, ONT-380 administered orally twice a day was well tolerated and demonstrated anti-tumor activity in heavily pre-treated HER2+ breast cancer patients with metastatic disease. Based on the strength of these preclinical and clinical trials, ONT-380 is advancing in one Phase 2 and three Phase 1b combination trials in patients with metastatic breast cancer. A second study reported the CNS activity of ONT-380 in combination with either T-DM1 or trastuzumab or capecitabine. Patients with brain metastases assessable for response were included in the combined analysis. Responses and clinical benefit in the CNS were reported with the three combinations tested, supporting future development of the drug for this particular indication.

Prostamedix is a 68Ga-labeled ligand of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) for Prostate Cancer PET imaging. Because of the increased expression of PSMA in Prostate Cancer and its metastases, Prostamedix was reported to exhibit a favorable lesion-to-background ratio with high detection rates. Further studies evaluating Prostamedix showed substantially higher detection rates in patients with recurrent PC than reported for other imaging modalities, especially at low PSA values. The chelator HBED-CC (N,N'-bis-[2-hydroxy-5-(carboxyethyl)benzyl]ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid), represents a hitherto rarely used acyclic complexing agent especially allowing efficient radiolabelling with 68Ga even at ambient temperature. By combining HBED-CC with the PSMA inhibitor Glu-urea-Lys, a favorable aromatic part is introduced into the radiotracer which was found to be a necessary requirement for sustainable interaction with the PSMA receptor, putatively with the accessory hydrophobic pocket of the PSMA

Vibegron is a selective beta 3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR) agonist that is being developed in Japan jointly by Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd and Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd and in other regions worldwide (except in several other Asian countries) by Urovant Sciences for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Vibegron potently activates human b3AR and increases cAMP levels, with an EC50 of 1.1 nM. Based on results from Japanese phase III trials, vibegron received approval in Japan in September 2018 for this indication. Vibegron, an active ingredient of Beova® Tablets, is a novel once-daily oral treatment for overactive bladder (OAB), acts selectively on the bladder's β3-adrenergic receptor, relaxes the bladder and enhances the urine collection, and consequently improves the symptoms of urgency, urinary frequency and urge urinary incontinence associated with OAB.

Nifurtimox is a nitrofuran derivative used as a primary agent in the treatment of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, especially in the acute, early stage of the disease. The efficacy of nifurtimox in the treatment of chronic Chagas' disease varies from one country to another, possibly due to variation in the sensitivity of different strains of the organism. Nifurtimox has also been used to treat African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and is active in the second stage of the disease (central nervous system involvement). When nifurtimox is given on its own, about half of all patients will relapse, but the combination of melarsoprol with nifurtimox appears to be efficacious. Nifurtimox forms a nitro-anion radical metabolite that reacts with nucleic acids of the parasite causing significant break down of DNA. Nifurtimox undergoes reduction and creates oxygen radicals such as superoxide. These radicals are toxic to T. cruzi. Mammalian cells are protected by the presence of catalase, glutathione, peroxidases, and superoxide dismutase. Accumulation of hydrogen peroxide to cytotoxic levels results in parasite death. Side effects occur following chronic administration, particularly in elderly people. Major toxicities include immediate hypersensitivities such as anaphylaxis and delayed hypersensitivity reaction involving icterus and dermatitis. Central nervous system disturbances and peripheral neuropathy may also occur.

Relugolix (TAK-385) is an orally active nonpeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that binds to human GnRH receptors with subnanomolar affinity. Relugolix was demonstrated to act as a classic competitive antagonist of GnRH binding, but the exact molecular mechanism of that antagonism remains unknown. This drug is being developed as a treatment for various sex hormone related disorders. Clinical trials have been conducted to study safety and efficacy of relugolix as a treatment in endometriosis, uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths of the uterus), and prostate cancer. Two phase III trials evaluating the efficacy of Relugolix in patients with uterine fibroids were completed in 2019. No serious adverse events were reported.

Selumetinib (AZD6244 or ARRY-142886) is a potent, selective, and ATP-uncompetitive inhibitor of Ras-Raf-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK1/2). This inhibition can prevent ERK activation, disrupt downstream signal transduction, and inhibit cancer cell proliferation and survival. Selumetinib has shown tumour suppressive activity in multiple rodent models of human cancer including melanoma, pancreatic, colon, lung, and breast cancers. AstraZeneca is responsible for development and commercialization of selumetinib.

Istradefylline is a first-in-class adenosine A2A receptor antagonist antiparkinsonian agent and has been marketed as the brand name NOURIAST® in Japan since May 30, 2013. NOURIAST is indicated for the improvement of wearing-off phenomena in patients with Parkinson’s disease on concomitant treatment with levodopa-containing products.

Erdafitinib (JNJ-42756493) is a potent and selective orally bioavailable, pan fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor with potential antineoplastic activity. It was discovered in collaboration with Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. from a partnership which commenced in June 2008. Astex’s FGFr inhibitor program originated from a collaboration initiated in 2005 with the Cancer Research UK Drug Discovery Group at the Newcastle Cancer Centre (Newcastle University UK), and Cancer Research Technology Limited. JNJ42756493 is currently being evaluated by Janssen in Phase 2 clinical trials in patients with urothelial cancer, advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, advanced non-small lung cancer, esophageal cancer or cholangiocarcinoma. JNJ-42756493 is a potent, oral pan-FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values in the low nanomolar range for all members of the FGFR family (FGFR1 to FGFR4), with minimal activity on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) kinases compared with FGFR kinases (approximately 20-fold potency difference). In vitro, the proliferation of cells treated with JNJ-42756493 is decreased, associated with increased apoptotic death and decreased cell survival. It is also in phase I trials for the treatment of advanced refractory solid tumors or advanced refractory hematologic cancer.

Lumateperone (ITI-722/ITI-007) is a dual 5HT2A receptor antagonist/dopamine phosphoprotein modulator (DPPM) for the treatment of schizophrenia. It is an orally available compound which combines potent 5HT2A receptor antagonism with cell-type-specific modulation of phosphoprotein pathways downstream of dopamine receptors. Lumateperone was developed by Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc., and is being evaluated for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar depression. In 3 efficacy studies in patients with acute schizophrenia, lumateperone was well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile, and in 2 studies of 3 demonstrated significantly superior efficacy over placebo.