Telcagepant (MK-0974) is a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist. Merck & Co was developing telcagepant for the treatment of pain. Telcagepant is an extremely potent CGRP antagonist with a Ki = 0.77 (0.07 nM). Telcagepant showed efficacy against acute migraines; however, different patient populations may show more beneficial effects with telcagepant versus triptans. In the acute treatment of migraine, Telcagepant was found to have equal potency to rizatriptan and zolmitriptan in two Phase III clinical trials. Merck & Co has now terminated development of the drug.

Rilapladib (SB659032) is a potent and selective inhibitor of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). Inhibition of Lp-PLA2 can reduce peripheral measures of inflammation. Rilapladib has been evaluated for treatment in Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis. Initial results from clinical trials in Alzheimer patients suggests that oral administration of rilapladib may slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Initial evidence has also been found that inhibition of Lp-PLA2 may attenuate intimal macrophage accumulation and consequently stabilize atherosclerotic plaque.

Bentamapimod (AS602801) a newly developed, orally-active, ATP competitive inhibitor of JNK, which is in phase IIa clinical trials for the treatment of endometriosis. Bentamapimod showed selective cytotoxic activity against serum-cultured cancer cells and cancer stem cells in vitro. It blocks T-cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. Bentamapimod was discovered by Merck Serono. Then PregLem (a member of the Richter Group) acquired worldwide rights in 2010.

AEE-788 is an orally available anticancer agent that was being developed by Novartis. AEE-788 is a dual family epidermal growth factor receptor/ErbB2 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antitumor and antiangiogenic activity. At the enzyme level, AEE-788 inhibited EGFR and VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases in the nm range (IC(50)s: EGFR 2 nm, ErbB2 6 nm, KDR 77 nm, and Flt-1 59 nm). In cells, growth factor-induced EGFR and ErbB2 phosphorylation was also efficiently inhibited (IC(50)s: 11 and 220 nm, respectively). AEE-788 demonstrated antiproliferative activity against a range of EGFR and ErbB2-overexpressing cell lines (including EGFRvIII-dependent lines) and inhibited the proliferation of epidermal growth factor- and VEGF-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These properties, combined with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, were associated with a potent antitumor activity in a number of animal models of cancer, including tumors that overexpress EGFR and or ErbB2. Oral administration of AEE-788 to tumor-bearing mice resulted in high and persistent compound levels in tumor tissue. Moreover, AEE-788 efficiently inhibited growth factor-induced EGFR and ErbB2 phosphorylation in tumors for >72 h, a phenomenon correlating with the antitumor efficacy of intermittent treatment schedules. AEE-788 has potential as an anticancer agent targeting deregulated tumor cell proliferation as well as angiogenic parameters. AEE-788 had been in phase Ⅱ clinical trials by Novartis for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. However, this research has been discontinued.

Phenadoxone hydrochloride is one of some forty amino-ketones and amino-esters related to amidone. The compound is a very potent analgesic for the rat; by the subcutaneous route it is more active than either morphine or amidone. In spite of this its acute toxicity to mice is lower than that of amidone and its therapeutic index is therefore correspondingly higher, giving a wider margin of safety. Side effects in dogs, such as narcosis, sedation, and general depression, were much less with phenadoxone than with amidone or morphine. Nausea and vomiting did not occur after phenadoxone in non-tolerant dogs. Clinical results show that for relieving certain types of pain in human subjects it is a potent analgesic that compares favorably with morphine and amidone. At therapeutic dose levels undesirable pharmacological effects, such as cardiac depression and vasomotor disturbance, are absent, and it is only at extremely high dose levels that untoward effects occur. However, the drug has a strong respiratory depressant action when given in high doses; it should be used with special caution if injected intravenously.

Nafagrel [DP 1904, SR 96325] is a thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor that was undergoing clinical trials with Daiichi Seiyaku, now Daiichi Pharmaceutical, for the diabetic angiopathies, lupus nephritis and Raynaud's disease in Japan. However the development of Nafagrel has been discontinued.

Pramiconazole is a novel azole with potent antifungal activity against yeasts, dermatophytes and many other fungal species. It is a new addition to the family of triazole antifungal agents that act by inhibiting fungal cell membrane ergosterol synthesis, thereby leading to increased cell permeability and destruction. In preclinical studies, pramiconazole exhibited similar or superior antifungal activity to ketoconazole and itraconazole, and selectively inhibited ergosterol synthesis with a broad spectrum activity. Pramiconazole was absorbed rapidly and had a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing. In phase I and II clinical trials, pramiconazole reduced the growth of Candida albicans, Malassezia globosa, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum, and was generally well tolerated. Pramiconazole is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for pityriasis versicolor.

MK-0686 is a bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist patented by American multinational pharmaceutical company Merck & Co for the treatment of neuropathic pain and inflammation. MK-0686 demonstrates significantly reduced susceptibility to human P-gp mediated efflux and shows good potential for human CNS penetration based on brain levels in CF-1 mice and monkeys. Additionally, MK-0686 also exhibited good CNS bradykinin B1 receptor occupancy in the transgenic rat expressing the human B1 receptor and showed oral efficacy in reducing CFA-induced hyperalgesia in a humanized mouse. Unfortunately, in phase II clinical trials MK-0686 failed to demonstrate efficacy in phase II clinical trials.