Drug Repurposing

Drug repurposing is the development of existing drugs for new uses, which is an attractive and efficient process. It can bring three repurposed drugs to market for the same cost as one new chemical entity and can be identified more quickly. However, it requires a fresh look at configuring pharmaceutical R&D and can take advantage of artificial intelligence techniques to match the perfect new use for an existing drug. Modern clinical practice will have to adapt to new repurposing techniques in an age where the number of known diseases is increasing faster than the healthcare dollars available.

Format: Hardback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2022
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Drug repurposing, a revolutionary approach in the pharmaceutical industry, involves the development of existing drugs for novel applications. This approach is highly appealing due to the fact that approximately 9 out of 10 drugs that enter drug development never reach the market, resulting in significant waste of effort. Moreover, drug repurposing is inherently more efficient as it leverages the knowledge and safety profiles of already approved drugs, minimizing the time and resources required for development.

One of the significant advantages of drug repurposing is its cost-effectiveness. Three repurposed drugs can be brought to market at the same cost as one new chemical entity. This cost advantage is particularly significant for patients with diseases that are progressing rapidly, as therapeutic innovations often take time to develop. By identifying repurposed drugs more quickly, patients can receive treatment sooner, improving their quality of life and potentially prolonging their survival.

However, drug repurposing necessitates a reimagining of pharmaceutical R&D processes. Clinical, regulatory, and patent considerations must be addressed much earlier in the development cycle than would typically be the case. A holistic approach is required, considering the potential benefits and risks of repurposing a drug across various patient populations and disease conditions.

In addition to new ways of thinking, the discovery of repurposing opportunities can benefit from the application of artificial intelligence techniques. These techniques can help identify the perfect new use for an existing drug, maximizing its therapeutic potential and minimizing side effects. While the concept of drug repurposing has been around for centuries, modern clinical practice will need to adapt to new repurposing techniques in an era where the number of known diseases is increasing at a faster rate than the healthcare dollars available.

Drug repurposing offers a promising solution to address the challenges of drug development and provide patients with access to effective treatments. By leveraging existing knowledge and minimizing the risk of new drug development, drug repurposing can improve healthcare outcomes and reduce the burden of disease on individuals and society as a whole.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788019033