Drug repurposing: A futuristic approach in drug discovery

Abstract

Drug repurposing (DR), also known as drug repositioning, is a strategy aimed at identifying new therapeutic uses for existing drugs. It offers an effective approach to discovering or developing drug molecules with novel pharmacological or therapeutic indications. In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have increasingly embraced the drug repurposing strategy in their drug discovery and development programs, leading to the identification of new biological targets. This strategy is highly efficient, time-saving, cost-effective, and carries a lower risk of failure compared to traditional drug discovery methods. By maximizing the therapeutic value of existing drugs, drug repurposing increases the likelihood of success. It serves as a valuable alternative to the lengthy, expensive, and resource-intensive process of finding new molecular entities (NMEs) through traditional or de novo drug discovery approaches. Drug repurposing combines activity-based or experimental methods with in silico-based or computational approaches to rationally develop or identify new uses for drug molecules. It leverages the existing safety data of drugs tested in humans and redirects their application based on valid target molecules. This approach holds great promise, particularly in addressing rare, difficult-to-treat diseases, and neglected diseases. By utilizing the wealth of knowledge and resources available, drug repurposing presents an emerging strategy for optimizing the therapeutic potential of existing medicines. It offers a pathway to rapidly identify effective treatments and repurpose approved drugs for new indications, benefiting patients and healthcare systems alike.