Drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning, involves finding new uses for existing medications. This approach can accelerate drug development and reduce costs because the drugs have already undergone safety testing.
Here are some notable examples of medications that have been repurposed:
* Minoxidil (Rogaine): Originally an oral medication for high blood pressure, it was found to cause hair growth as a side effect and was then repurposed as a topical treatment for hair loss.
* Sildenafil (Viagra): Initially studied for high blood pressure and angina, it was discovered to treat erectile dysfunction. It has also been found beneficial in treating pulmonary hypertension.
* Thalidomide: This drug was notoriously withdrawn in 1961 due to severe birth defects. However, it was later approved for treating leprosy in 1998 and multiple myeloma in 2006.
* Amantadine: This antiviral and anti-Parkinson's drug has been repurposed for other uses.
* Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin): Beyond its well-known pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, aspirin has been repurposed for other therapeutic uses.
* Cyclosporine: An immunosuppressant, cyclosporine has been identified as a candidate for repurposing in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
* Imatinib: Originally a cancer drug, it's another example of a successfully repurposed medication.
* Colchicine: An established anti-inflammatory drug, it has recently shown remarkable activity in reducing cardiovascular events in patients with chronic coronary artery disease.
* Dexamethasone: This corticosteroid, used for swelling and severe allergies for decades, proved to be a lifesaver in reducing mortality in critical COVID-19 patients on oxygen or ventilators.
* Tocilizumab: An arthritis drug, it was repurposed to support recovery from pneumonia associated with COVID-19.
* Everolimus: This patented drug, an mTOR inhibitor, was repurposed for the on-label treatment of tuberous sclerosis, specifically for a type of brain tumor (SEGA) and epilepsy associated with the condition.