PYM50018 (also known as Myogane or SARSAGENIN) has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in several preclinical models. It was observed that PYM50018 protects against neuronal damage, increases neurite outgrowth, reverses oxidative damage and reversed neuronal apoptosis. PYM50018 is in phase I clinical study for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Xaliproden is an orally active 5HT1-A receptor antagonist that was being developed by Sanofi. It has been evaluated for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and protection against peripheral neurotoxicity associated with certain cancer chemotherapies. Two large, 18-month, clinical trials of xaliproden (monotherapy or adjunctive therapy, respectively) in patients with mild to moderate AD (MMSE, 16–26, inclusive) were completed in 2007. Failure to demonstrate sufficient efficacy in both trials resulted in cancelation of the xaliproden development program for AD in September 2007.