Repositioning Old Drugs for New Battles: The Expanding Role of Drug Repurposing in Cancer, Inflammation, and Metabolic Disease.

Drug repurposing is a cost-effective strategy that addresses the limitations of traditional drug development by finding new uses for existing drugs, as highlighted in a systematic review of literature from 2000 to 2025. The review discusses successful examples like thalidomide and minoxidil, which have shown efficacy in areas such as oncology and cardiovascular medicine. Advances in technology, including artificial intelligence and high-throughput screening, are enhancing the identification and validation of repurposed drugs. However, challenges such as intellectual property issues and regulatory barriers persist. A coordinated effort involving regulatory innovation and public-private collaboration is necessary to maximize the potential of drug repurposing for developing safer and more affordable treatments.