Drug Repurposing: Clinical Practices and Regulatory Pathways

Drug repurposing offers a promising strategy for developing new therapeutic uses for existing drugs, providing benefits like faster development, lower costs, and better patient access due to known safety profiles. Historical successes, such as sildenafil citrate and thalidomide, highlight its potential to meet unmet medical needs. Technological advancements, including AI and machine learning, support this approach by improving candidate identification and streamlining drug discovery. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, intellectual property issues, and ethical considerations must be addressed to ensure patient safety and equitable access. Collaborative efforts and innovation are crucial for overcoming these obstacles and maximizing the public health impact of drug repurposing.