Adimolol is an antihypertensive agent with a potent antagonist of central beta-adrenoceptors and has a weaker alpha 1-adrenolytic action. The central alpha 2-antagonistic effect is either very weak or absent. The reduction in beta-adrenoceptor number following adimolol suggests that this prolonged effect may not be solely due to competitive antagonism but may additionally depend upon non-competitive antagonism at beta-adrenoceptors. Adimolol reduced supine, standing and exercise heart rates in a dose dependent manner.

Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that regulates electrolyte and water balance by increasing the renal retention of sodium and the excretion of potassium. Recent findings have shown that the physiological functions of the hormone aldosterone go far beyond its well-known role in blood-pressure regulation and salt/water homeostasis. Aldosterone is for example involved in the regulation of inflammation, and also binds directly to mineralocorticoid receptors in specific brain regions. At the late distal tubule and collecting duct, aldosterone has two main actions: 1) aldosterone acts on mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) on principal cells in the distal tubule of the kidney nephron, increasing the permeability of their apical (luminal) membrane to potassium and sodium and activates their basolateral Na+/K+ pumps, stimulating ATP hydrolysis leading to phosphorylation of the pump and a conformational change in the pump exposes the Na+ ions to the outside. The phosphorylated form of the pump has a low affinity for Na+ ions, hence reabsorbing sodium (Na+) ions and water into the blood, and secreting potassium (K+) ions into the urine; 2) aldosterone stimulates H+ secretion by intercalated cells in the collecting duct, regulating plasma bicarbonate (HCO3−) levels and its acid/base balance; and 3) aldosterone may act on the central nervous system via the posterior pituitary gland to release vasopressin (ADH) which serves to conserve water by direct actions on renal tubular resorption.

Tesaglitazar, a dihydro cinnamate derivative (AZ 242), is a dual agonist of PPARα and γ that demonstrates IC50 values of 1 and 0.2 µM, respectively. It has been investigated its potential to address disorders in glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes. The drug had completed several phase III clinical trials, however in May, 2006 AstraZeneca announced that it had discontinued further development. Following analysis and interpretation of recently obtained results from the first four of eight phase 3 clinical trials (GALLANT 6,7,8 and 9) and one phase 2 trial (ARMOR), which were reviewed in consultation with external experts, the company considers that the overall benefit/risk profile is unlikely to offer patients significant advantage over currently available therapy. Central to the decision is data showing elevations in serum creatinine and an associated decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The magnitude of the serum creatinine elevation was greater than anticipated based on earlier clinical studies. Such elevations reversed towards baseline upon stopping treatment with the drug and have not been associated with kidney toxicity.

Tropisetron (Tropisetron-AFT) is a potent and selective serotonin 3 (5-hydroxytryptamine3; 5-HT3) receptor antagonist with antiemetic properties, probably mediated via antagonism of receptors both at peripheral sites and in the central nervous system. Surgery and treatment with certain substances, including some chemotherapeutic agents, may trigger the release of serotonin from enterochromaffin-like cells in the visceral mucosa and initiate the emesis reflex and its accompanying feeling of nausea. Tropisetron (Tropisetron-AFT) selectively blocks the excitation of the presynaptic 5-HT3 receptors of the peripheral neurons in this reflex, and may exert additional direct actions within the CNS on 5-HT3 receptors mediating the actions of vagal input to the area postrema.