MK-2206 is an oral selective allosteric inhibitor of Akt that targets all three isoforms of human Akt (Akt-1, Akt-2 and Akt-3). In a phase I study of solid tumors, MK-2206 demonstrated evidence of target modulation and anti-proliferative activity as a single agent and in combination with other agents. Current ongoing trials of MK-2206 include monotherapy and combination therapy in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, haematological malignancies, non-small cell lung cancer and other. Detected treatment-related adverse event are: rash, fatigue, hyperglycemia.

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.

BMS-906024 is a lead candidate of a series of inhibitors of gamma secretase-mediated Notch signalling. BMS-906024 is an orally bioavailable, small-molecule gamma secretase (GS) and pan-Notch inhibitor, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon administration, GS/pan-Notch inhibitor BMS-906024 binds to GS and blocks activation of Notch receptors, which may inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells with an overly-active Notch pathway. The integral membrane protein GS is a multi-subunit protease complex that cleaves single-pass transmembrane proteins, such as Notch receptors, at residues within their transmembrane domains that lead to their activation. Overexpression of the Notch signaling pathway has been correlated with increased tumor cell growth. BMS-906024 is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials for patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and metastatic solid tumors, including lung 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.

PRX-03140 is a partial agonist of the 5-HT4 receptor that is being developed by EPIX Pharmaceuticals for Alzheimer's disease. In vitro shows potent binding to 5-HT4 receptor and increased cAMP production in human embryonic kidney-293 cells expressing recombinant rat 5-HT(4) receptors. In the clinical trial, PRX-03140 was associated with a statistically significant improvement in the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale.

ABT-751 is an orally bioavailable antimitotic sulfonamide, which binds to the colchicine-binding site on beta-tubulin and inhibits the polymerization of microtubules, leads to a block in the cell cycle at the G2M phase, resulting in cellular apoptosis. ABT-751 had been in phase Ⅱ clinical studies for the treatment of breast cancer; colorectal cancer; non-small cell lung cancer; renal cancer, prostate cancer, but these researches have been discontinued.

Luminespib (NVP-AUY922) is a highly potent isoxazole-based, nongeldanamycin HSP90 inhibitor that inhibits the adenosine triphosphatase activity of HSP90. Luminespib is a highly potent HSP90 inhibitor for HSP90α/β with IC50 of 13 nM /21 nM in cell-free assays, weaker potency against the HSP90 family members GRP94 and TRAP-1, exhibits the tightest binding of any small-molecule HSP90 ligand. Luminespib potently inhibited in vitro growth in all 41 NSCLC cell lines evaluated with IC50 less than 100 nM. IC100 value less than 40 nM was seen in 36 of 41 lines. Luminespib (NVP-AUY922) has greater potency, reduced hepatotoxicity, and lower dependence on DT-diaphorase than the first-generation HSP90 inhibitors. Luminespib was discovered in a multiparameter lead optimization program based on a high-throughput screening hit methodology developed jointly by The Institute of Cancer Research, UK and the pharmaceutical company Vernalis. It has been licensed to Novartis. Luminespib activity is independent of NQO1/DT-diaphorase, maintained in drug-resistant cells and under hypoxic conditions. The molecular signature of HSP90 inhibition, comprising induced HSP72 and depleted client proteins, was readily demonstrable. Pre-clinical studies proved that Luminespib acts via several processes (cytostasis, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis) to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. These results helped Luminespib to enter clinical trials for various cancers including breast cancers. From 2011 to 2014 it was in Phase II clinical trials.