Drug Repurposing

Drug Repurposing, also known as drug repositioning or reprofiling, is a strategy in pharmaceutical research that involves identifying new uses for existing drugs beyond their originally intended therapeutic areas. This approach capitalizes on the extensive safety and pharmacological data available for approved or investigational drugs, aiming to expedite the development of treatments for various medical conditions. The process of drug repurposing involves systematic screenings, bioinformatics analyses, and preclinical and clinical repurposing evaluations to uncover novel therapeutic applications. By exploring new indications for established drugs, researchers can potentially bypass some of the lengthy and costly phases of drug development, accelerating the availability of treatments. One notable example of successful drug repurposing is the use of minoxidil, initially developed for hypertension, which was later found to be effective in treating male pattern baldness. This strategy has gained momentum in recent years as a cost-effective and time-efficient means of addressing unmet medical needs and expanding treatment options across diverse disease areas.