Zopolrestat is a novel carboxylic acid aldose reductase inhibitor. It has been shown to normalize sorbitol, fructose, and myoinositol levels in sciatic nerve, lens, retina, and kidney in diabetic rats and to restore normal renal plasma flow in galactosemic rats. It is being evaluated as an aldose reductase inhibitor for the treatment of diabetic complications.

Zenarestat (FK-366; FR-74366) is an aldose reductase (AR) inhibitor investigated as a treatment for diabetic neuropathy and cataract. Zenarestat is a highly specific AR inhibitor, it did not affect the activities of enzymes in the glycolysis pathway, the pentose-phosphate pathway and NADPH-dependent enzymes such as NOS and glutathione reductase. Zenarestat exhibited some inhibition of aldehyde reductase, the most closely related enzyme to AR, however, its IC50 was evidently higher than that for AR. Zenarestat dose-dependently reduced the elevated sorbitol concentration in the lens, retina sciatic nerve, and renal cortex. The most potent effect of zenarestat was seen in the sciatic nerve. Zenarestat inhibits cataract formation and to counteract reduced motor nerve conduction velocity in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Zenarestat had been in clinical trials for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy however future development was discontinued due to dose-dependent renal toxicity.

Tolrestat is an orally active aldose reductase inhibitor. It was used for the pharmacological control of certain diabetic complications. It was discontinued by Wyeth in 1997 because of the risk of severe liver toxicity and death.

Cediranib (AZD-2171) is a VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitor which was developed by AstraZeneca for the treatment of cancer. The drug reached the final stage of approval by European Medicines Agency in 2008 under the name Zemfirza (it was recommended to be taken in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy), however on 19 September 2016 AstraZeneca decided to withdraw the Marketing Authorisation Application.

Masitinib is a new orally administered tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets mast cells and macrophages, important cells for immunity, through inhibiting a limited number of kinases. Based on its unique mechanism of action, masitinib can be developed in a large number of conditions in oncology, in inflammatory diseases, and in certain diseases of the central nervous system. In oncology due to its immunotherapy effect, masitinib can have an effect on survival, alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Through its activity on mast cells and consequently the inhibition of the activation of the inflammatory process, masitinib can have an effect on the symptoms associated with some inflammatory and central nervous system diseases and the degeneration of these diseases. AB Science is developing masitinib in multiple sclerosis and alzheimer's disease. Masitinib targets kinases, including c-Kit, PDGFR, and Lyn. It is used in the treatment of mast cell tumors in animals, specifically dogs. Since its introduction in November 2008 it has been distributed under the commercial name Masivet. It has been available in Europe since the second part of 2009. In the USA it is distributed under the name Kinavet.

Olmutinib is a novel third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, used in the treatment of T790M mutation positive non-small cell lung cancer. Olmutinib covalently binds a cysteine residue near the kinase domain of mutant EGFRs to prevent phosphorylation of the receptor. EGFRs are frequently over-expressed in lung cancer and contribute to activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways which both promote cell survival and proliferation. By inhibiting EGFR activation, Olmutinib attenuates the activation of these tumor-promoting pathways. In the first phase I/II clinical study of Osimertinib, 800 mg/ day was chosen as the dose for subsequent studies, and the dose-limiting toxicity and maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Olmutinib received breakthrough therapy designation in the United States in December 2015 and was approved for use in Korea in May 2016.

Ripasudil (K-115) is a selective Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. This compound, which was originally discovered by D. Western Therapeutics Institute, Inc., reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by directly acting on the trabecular meshwork, thereby increasing conventional outflow through the Schlemm's canal. As a result of this mechanism of action, ripasudil may offer additive effects in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension when used in combination with agents such as prostaglandin analogues (which increase uveoscleral outflow) and β blockers (which reduce aqueous production). GLANATEC® (Ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate) ophthalmic solution 0.4% is launched in Japan for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Chidamide (CS055) is a novel and orally active benzamide class of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor that selectively inhibits activity of HDAC1, 2, 3 and 10, the enzymes that are involved and play an important role in tumor initiation and development in both tumor cells and their surrounding micro-environment. It was approved by the CFDA in December 2014 for the treatment of recurrent of refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Reported hematological adverse events are: neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia. Chidamide is under investigation as a potential agent for the treatment of other types of tumors.

Roxadustat (FG-4592) is an HIF α prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor in a cell-free assay. It stabilizes HIF-2 and induces EPO production and stimulates erythropoiesis. Roxadustat transiently and moderately increased endogenous erythropoietin and reduced hepcidin. It is currently being investigated as an oral treatment for anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In April 2006, Roxadustat (FG-4592) was licensed to Astellas Pharma by originator FibroGen in Asia, Europe and South Africa for the treatment of anemia. FibroGen retains rights in the rest of the world. In 2007, the FDA put the trial on clinical hold due to one case of death by fulminant hepatitis during a phase II clinical trial for patients with anemia associated with chronic kidney disease and not requiring dialysis. However, in 2008, the FDA informed the company that clinical trials could be resumed. Phase II/III clinical trials for this indication resumed in 2012. In 2013, the compound was licensed to AstraZeneca by FibroGen for development and marketing in US, CN and all major markets excluding JP, Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East and South Africa, for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).