SOR-C13, is a novel, short, synthetic peptide developed from the C-terminal region of soricidin, a proprietary 54 amino acid peptide, discovered by Soricimed Biopharma found in the saliva of the Northern Short-tailed Shrew. SOR-C13 binds with high affinity and selectivity - and disrupts the function of - TRPV6, a calcium channel over-expressed in solid tumor cancers. TRPV6 plays a central role in a biochemical cascade that results in the upregulation of an array of pro-cancerous genes. TRPV6 is considered to be an important target for novel anticancer therapy. SOR-C13 is the first highly specific TRPV6 inhibitor to be identified and to be taken into clinical development. SOR-C13 was effective in inhibition of tumors in animal xenograft models of human ovarian and breast cancer. The ongoing phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of SOR-C13 in treating patients with solid tumors. The FDA has awarded orphan drug status to SOR-C13 for the treatment of ovarian cancer and for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Ponalrestat is the inhibitor of aldehyde reductase 2 from a number of sources. Ponalrestat blunted Prostaglandin F2 alpha synthesis by preadipocytes in basal and stimulated conditions. Ponalrestat suppresses IL-1 production both in vitro and in vivo, and inhibits the cachectic symptoms induced by colon26 adenocarcinoma in mice, suggesting that ponalrestat has a therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer cachexia. In a 4-week study of 29 neuropathic diabetics treated with ponalrestat peripheral neuropathy did not improve during treatment. In a 6-week study of 21 diabetics without neuropathy, although vagal function improved in patients with autonomic neuropathy.

Anamorelin is a first-in-class, orally active ghrelin receptor agonist that binds and stimulates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor centrally, thereby mimicking the appetite-enhancing and anabolic effects of ghrelin. Anamorelin is under development by Helsinn Therapeutics for the treatment of cancer cachexia and anorexia. Anamorelin has completed phase III clinical trials for the treatment of cancer cachexia and anorexia associated with non-small-cell lung carcinoma. Results of the studies were positive, and the drug is now in preregistration with the European Medicines Agency.