The Exaptation of Endocrine Pharmacology

The document from 2012 discusses the concept of exaptation in endocrine pharmacology, which refers to the use of a drug for a purpose other than its original intent. This concept has been particularly relevant in endocrine pharmacology, where drugs developed for one purpose have been found to have other beneficial effects. For example, metformin, originally developed for diabetes, has been used for polycystic ovarian syndrome, and minoxidil, initially an antihypertensive, is used for androgenetic alopecia. The document also mentions the phenomenon of endocrine xenoexaptation, where human hormones are used to increase crop yields or enhance milk yield in cows. The document suggests that with fewer new drugs reaching the market, endocrinologists should explore existing drugs with proven safety for their pleiotropic effects.