When we hear about new treatments, we often think of brand-new medicines. But sometimes, the best solution is already in our hands an old medicine being used in a new way.
This idea is called drug repurposing. Instead of taking many years to make a new drug, scientists test existing medicines to see if they can work for other illnesses.
Some interesting examples:
Thalidomide – once banned for safety issues, now used in treating multiple myeloma and leprosy complications.
Aspirin – first used for pain, later found to protect the heart from attacks and strokes.
Remdesivir – originally for Ebola, later tried in COVID-19 treatment.
For patients, this can be a big advantage especially in serious diseases like cancers, rare illnesses, and outbreaks because it saves time and can give faster access to treatments.
** Have you come across any other examples where a common medicine was used in a surprising new way?
It’s amazing that various approaches can give medications a “second chance.” Metformin, which is routinely used to treat diabetes, is currently being researched for its potential to prevent cancer and possibly promote healthy aging. It raises the question of how many more undiscovered applications might already be on the shelves of our pharmacies.
Drug repurposing is such an fascinating concept. I remember reading about the thalidomide tragedy leading to its ban, which was later re- released by fda for treating ENL and multiple myleoma.
Drug repurposing shows how different combinations can lead to either harmful or potential drugs. It’s important to understand the action mechanism of the drug. This way many drugs that are used to treating one condition and turn out to be helpful in others as well.
Some interesting examples: