Drug repurposing and new therapeutic uses in pharmaceutical research.

Received: 21-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AJPTI-23-98689; Editor assigned: 23-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. AJPTI-23-98689 (PQ); Reviewed: 14-Apr-2023, QC No. AJPTI-23-98689; Revised: 21-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. AJPTI-23-98689 (R); Published: 28-Apr-2023

Description

Drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning, is a strategy in pharmaceutical research that involves identifying new therapeutic uses for existing drugs. Rather than starting from scratch to develop a completely new drug, researchers discuss the potential of approved drugs or investigational compounds that have already undergone safety testing. By repurposing existing drugs, researchers can save time and resources in the drug development process while potentially offering new treatment options for various diseases and conditions.

The process of drug repurposing begins with the identification of a compound. This can be done through various approaches, including data mining, computational modeling, highthroughput screening, and serendipitous observations. Data mining involves analyzing large datasets, such as electronic health records, clinical trials databases, and literature, to identify associations between drugs and specific diseases. Computational modeling utilizes algorithms and bioinformatics tools to predict the potential interactions between drugs and disease targets. High-throughput screening involves testing large libraries of compounds against disease-specific assays to identify potential hits. Serendipitous observations occur when researchers notice unexpected positive effects of a drug in a different disease context.

Clinical studies are conducted to evaluate its efficacy and safety in the new therapeutic use. Preclinical studies involve testing the drug in laboratory models, such as cell cultures and animal models, to understand its mechanism of action and assess its potential for the new indication. If the preclinical data is promising, clinical trials are initiated to evaluate the drug's efficacy, safety, and dosage in human subjects. These trials follow the standard phases of clinical development, including Phase I (safety and dosage), Phase II (efficacy and dosage range), and Phase III (large-scale efficacy and safety). If the drug successfully completes these phases and demonstrates positive results, it may be granted regulatory approval for the new therapeutic use.

Drug repurposing offers several advantages over traditional drug development. Firstly, repurposed drugs have already undergone extensive safety testing, reducing the risks associated with toxicity and adverse effects. This can significantly accelerate the development timeline, as the safety profile of the drug is already established. Secondly, repurposing existing drugs can be more cost- effective compared to developing a new drug from scratch. The high cost and failure rates associated with new drug development are major challenges in the pharmaceutical industry, and repurposing offers a viable alternative. Additionally, repurposing can provide new treatment options for rare or neglected diseases that may not attract significant investment for new drug development.

Furthermore, drug repurposing can uncover novel mechanisms of action for existing drugs. Through the study of a drug's effects in a new disease context, researchers can gain insights into previously unrecognized pathways or targets. This can expand the understanding of disease mechanisms and potentially lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies. Repurposing can also help address unmet medical needs by providing alternative treatment options for diseases that lack effective therapies or face drug resistance issues.

Several successful examples of drug repurposing exist in clinical practice. For instance, the drug sildenafil, originally developed as a treatment for angina, was repurposed for erectile dysfunction and became widely known as Viagra. Thalidomide, initially developed as a sedative, found new therapeutic uses in the treatment of leprosy and multiple myeloma. These examples highlight the potential of drug repurposing to deliver clinical benefits and improve patient outcomes.

In conclusion, drug repurposing is a valuable strategy in pharmaceutical research that involves identifying new therapeutic uses for existing drugs. It offers advantages such as reduced development timelines, established safety profiles, and potential cost savings. By exploring the potential of approved drugs or investigational compounds, researchers can uncover new treatment options for various diseases and conditions.

Citation: Li HB. Drug repurposing and new therapeutic uses in pharmaceutical research AJPTI 2023;11(S41):1.