Senju Pharmaceutical is developing fonadelpar (also known as SJP-0035), a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta agonist as an ophthalmic solution. Fonadelpar was studied in phase III clinical trial in the USA for the treatment of patients with dry eye disease. This study was successfully completed. In addition, fonadelpar was involved in phase II clinical trial in the USA for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe corneal epithelial disorders. Besides, Senju Pharmaceutical also plans a phase II trial for corneal disorders in Japan.

Q203 (6-chloro-2-ethyl-N-(4-(4-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)piperidin-1-yl)benzyl)imidazo [1,2-a]pyridine-3-carboxamide) is an an imidazopyridine antitubercular compound. Q203 targets the cytochrome b subunit (QcrB) of the cytochrome bc1 complex. This complex is an essential component of the respiratory electron transport chain of ATP synthesis. Q203 inhibited the growth of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) M. tuberculosis clinical isolates in culture broth medium in the low nanomolar range and was efficacious in a mouse model of tuberculosis at a dose less than 1 mg per kg body weight, which highlights the potency of this compound. In addition, Q203 displays pharmacokinetic and safety profiles compatible with once-daily dosing. Q203 is a promising new clinical candidate for the treatment of tuberculosis.

Atuveciclib (previously known as BAY 1143572) was developed as a highly selective inhibitor of positive transcription elongation factor b (PTEFb) /CDK9 for the treatment of cancer. PTEFb is a heterodimer of CDK9 and one of four cyclin partners, cyclin T1, cyclin K, cyclin T2a or cyclin T2b. Atuveciclib also inhibits RNA polymerase II (Ser2) phosphorylation and downregulate MYC protein expression in hematologic malignancies. The drug participated in phase I clinical trials in subjects with advanced acute leukemia and for patients with advanced malignancies. Information about further studies for these types of cancer is not available. Recently published article has shown that atuveciclib enhanced the antineoplastic effects of cisplatin and promoted inhibitory effects on breast cancer stem-like cells grown as mammospheres. In addition, was suggested that CDK9 could be a potential therapeutic target in aggressive forms of CDK9-high triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

PM-00104 (Zalypsis®) is a synthethic tetrahydroisoquinolone alkaloid, which is structurally similar to many marine organisms. PM-00104 is a DNA binding agent, causing inhibition of the cell cycle and transcription, which can lead to double stranded DNA breaks. Immunohistochemical studies in tumors also demonstrated histone-H2AX phosphorylation and p53 overexpression. PM-00104 has progressed into phase II clinical trials to treat Ewing sarcoma, urothelial carcinoma, multiple myeloma, endometrial and cervical cancer. The phase II study concluded that there were no objective responses in the cohort of 16 evaluable patients with Ewing sarcoma. The study of Urothelial carcinoma treatment was terminated early because there seemed to be no benefit from the current therapy. Moreover, PM-00104 as a single-agent did not prove to be an effective therapy for patients with advanced/metastatic endometrial or cervical cancer. None achieved objective tumor response was in phase II study for the treatment of advanced/metastatic endometrial or cervical cancer. Preliminary data showed PM-00104 to be safe to use in the treatment of multiple myeloma but the complete results from this trial have not been published.