Icosapent is an important polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish oils. It serves as the precursor for the prostaglandin-3 and thromboxane-3 families. A diet rich in eicosapentaenoic acid lowers serum lipid concentration, reduces incidence of cardiovascular disorders, prevents platelet aggregation, and inhibits arachidonic acid conversion into the thromboxane-2 and prostaglandin-2 families. EPA can be used for lowering elevated triglycerides in those who are hyperglyceridemic. In addition, EPA may play a therapeutic role in patients with cystic fibrosis by reducing disease severity and may play a similar role in type 2 diabetics in slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Sepracor in the US is developing arformoterol [R,R-formoterol], a single isomer form of the beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist formoterol [eformoterol]. This isomer contains two chiral canters and is being developed as an inhaled preparation for the treatment of respiratory disorders. Sepracor believes that arformoterol has the potential to be a once-daily therapy with a rapid onset of action and a duration of effect exceeding 12 hours. Sepracor stated in July 2003 that it had completed more than 100 preclinical studies and initiated or completed 15 clinical studies for arformoterol inhalation solution for the treatment of bronchospasm in patients with COPD. The pharmacologic effects of beta2-adrenoceptor agonist drugs, including arformoterol, are at least in part attributable to stimulation of intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). Increased intracellular cyclic AMP levels cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells. In vitro tests show that arformoterol is an inhibitor of the release of mast cell mediators, such as histamine and leukotrienes, from the human lung. Arformoterol also inhibits histamine-induced plasma albumin extravasation in anesthetized guinea pigs and inhibits allergen-induced eosinophil influx in dogs with airway hyper-responsiveness. The relevance of these in vitro and animal findings to humans is unknown.

Lodoxamide is a mast-cell stabilizer for topical administration into the eye. This compound belongs to the class of organic compounds known as alpha amino acids and derivatives. Lodoxamide inhibits the in vivo Type I immediate hypersensitivity reaction. In vitro, Lodoxamide stabilizes mast cells and prevents antigen-stimulated release of histamine. In addition, Lodoxamide prevents the release of other mast cell inflammatory mediators and inhibits eosinophil chemotaxis. Although Lodoxamide's precise mechanism of action is unknown, the drug has been reported to prevent calcium influx into mast cells upon antigen stimulation. Among side effects to Lodoxamide, the most frequently reported ocular adverse experiences were transient burning, stinging, or discomfort upon instillation. Nonocular events reported were headache and heat sensation, dizziness, somnolence, nausea, stomach discomfort, sneezing, dry nose, and rash.

Diltiazem is a nondihydropyridines calcium channel blocker used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, and some types of arrhythmia. Diltiazem produces its antihypertensive effect primarily by relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and the resultant decrease in peripheral vascular resistance.

Isopropanolamine (1-Amino-2-propanol) is a colorless to yellowish liquid with an amine-like odor. It is miscible in water. Intermediate used in the production of dyes, lubrification oils, corrosion inhibitor, detergents, cutting fluids.