BioLineRx Ltd has developed BL-8040, a short peptide for the treatment of solid tumors, acute myeloid leukemia, or AML, and stem-cell mobilization for bone-marrow transplantation. BL-8040 acts as CXCR4 antagonist. CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor that is directly involved in tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell survival. In February 2019 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to BL-8040, for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Previously FDA had granted Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and stem-cell mobilization.

Setmelanotide (RM-493), is an investigational, first-in-class melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist in development for the treatment of rare genetic disorders of obesity. Setmelanotide is thought to activate the MC4R, part of a key biological pathway in humans that regulates weight by increasing energy expenditure and reducing appetite. Variants in genes within the MC4 pathway are associated with unrelenting hunger, known as hyperphagia, and severe, early-onset obesity. Setmelanotide is a potential replacement therapy that may restore lost activity in the MC4 pathway, reestablishing weight and appetite control in patients with these rare genetic disorders.

Etelcalcetide (formerly velcalcetide, trade name Parsabiv) is a calcimimetic drug for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Etelcalcetide was approved (trade name Parsabiv) for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis in February, 2017. Etelcalcetide is a synthetic peptide calcium-sensing receptor agonist. It allosterically modulates the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). Etelcalcetide binds to the CaSR and enhances activation of the receptor by extracellular calcium. Activation of the CaSR on parathyroid chief cells decreases PTH secretion.

Dotatate, also known as DOTA-0-Tyr3-Octreotate, is a cyclic 8 amino acid peptide with a covalently bound chelator (dota). The peptide has the amino acid sequence: H-D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-ThrCys-Thr-OH, and contains one disulfide bond. After radiolabeling with Ga 68 (NETSPOT®) or with Lu 177 (LUTATHERA®), it is indicated for use with positron emission tomography (PET) for localization of somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in adult and pediatric patients.

Caspofungin is an echinocandin antifungal drug, which is approved and is sold under the brand worldwide name cancidas. Caspofungin inhibits the synthesis of beta (1,3)-D-glucan, an essential component of the cell wall of susceptible Aspergillus species and Candida species. Beta (1,3)-D-glucan is not present in mammalian cells. Cancidas is indicated for the treatment of candidemia and the following candida infections: intra-abdominal abscesses, peritonitis, and pleural space infections in adult and pediatric patients. Also is indicated for the treatment of esophageal candidiasis in adult and pediatric patients and for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in adult and pediatric patients, but has not been studied as initial therapy for invasive aspergillosis.

Eptifibatide is a platelet aggregation inhibitor - an anti-coagulant that selectively blocks the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor. It is a cyclic heptapeptide derived from a protein found in the venom of the southeastern pygmy rattlesnake. It belongs to the class of the so called arginin-glycin-aspartat-mimetics and reversibly binds to platelets. Eptifibatide inhibits platelet aggregation by reversibly binding to the platelet receptor glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa of human platelets, thus preventing the binding of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and other adhesive ligands. Inhibition of platelet aggregation occurs in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner. It is used for treatment of myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome.

Octreotide (SMS 201-995, Sandostatin) is an octapeptide that exerts pharmacologic actions similar to the natural hormone, somatostatin. It was developed by Bauer and co-authors at Sandoz. It is an even more potent inhibitor of growth hormone, glucagon, and insulin than somatostatin. Like somatostatin, it also suppresses LH response to GnRH, decreases splanchnic blood flow, and inhibits release of serotonin, gastrin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, secretin, motilin, and pancreatic polypeptide. By virtue of these pharmacological actions, Sandostatin has been used to treat the symptoms associated with metastatic carcinoid tumors (flushing and diarrhea), and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) secreting adenomas (watery diarrhea). Sandostatin substantially reduces growth hormone and/or IGF-I (somatomedin C) levels in patients with acromegaly. A radioactively labelled analogue has been used to visualize somatostatin receptors in a GRF-secreting human tumour.

Disulfiram is a carbamate derivative used as an alcohol deterrent. It is a relatively nontoxic substance when administered alone, but markedly alters the intermediary metabolism of alcohol. Disulfiram blocks the oxidation of alcohol at the acetaldehyde stage during alcohol metabolism following disulfiram intake causing an accumulation of acetaldehyde in the blood producing highly unpleasant symptoms. Disulfiram blocks the oxidation of alcohol through its irreversible inactivation of aldehyde dehydrogenase, which acts in the second step of ethanol utilization. In addition, disulfiram competitively binds and inhibits the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, which may indicate some value in the treatment of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, however this activity has not been extensively studied. Used for the treatment and management of chronic alcoholism.

Selenium sulfide, an anti-infective agent, relieves itching and flaking of the scalp and removes the dry, scaly particles that are commonly referred to as dandruff or seborrhea. It is also used to treat tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin. Topical selenium sulfide can be added to the therapeutic armamentarium for congenital or acquired hyperkeratosis.