Description: Drug repurposing is the process of finding new uses for existing medications, which may include applying an approved drug for a different disease than it was originally designed for. This approach can not only accelerate the development of treatments but also reduce costs and risks associated with researching new compounds. Drug repurposing is based on the premise that many medications have multiple mechanisms of action and can be effective in various pathological conditions. This process relies on bioinformatics tools that allow for the analysis of large volumes of biological and clinical data, facilitating the identification of new applications for already approved drugs. Bioinformatics plays a crucial role by integrating genomic, proteomic, and molecular interaction data, enabling researchers to predict how an existing drug might interact with new therapeutic targets. This approach not only optimizes resource use in pharmaceutical research but can also provide rapid solutions in emergency situations, such as outbreaks of infectious diseases, where a quick and effective response is required.
History: Drug repurposing has existed for decades but gained significant attention in the 2000s with advancements in bioinformatics and the availability of large biological databases. An important milestone was the discovery that sildenafil, a drug originally developed to treat angina, became a successful treatment for erectile dysfunction. This emblematic case demonstrated the potential of drug repurposing and stimulated further research in this field.
Uses: Drug repurposing is primarily used in medical research to accelerate the development of treatments for diseases lacking effective therapeutic options. It is also applied in emergency situations, such as pandemics, where effective treatments are sought quickly. Additionally, it can be useful in identifying new uses for existing medications in areas such as oncology, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric disorders.
Examples: A notable example of drug repurposing is the use of thalidomide, which was originally a sedative and is now used to treat certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Another case is that of chloroquine, which was initially used to treat malaria and was investigated as a potential treatment for COVID-19. These examples illustrate how existing medications can find new applications in the treatment of various conditions.
