From Side Effects to Strategic Assets — The Evolving Science of Drug Repurposing
Imagine discovering that a pill designed for high blood pressure could also grow hair. Or that a withdrawn sedative, once a global tragedy, could later save lives of cancer patients. This is not a science fiction — it’s drug repurposing.
Drug repurposing, or repositioning, is the process of finding new therapeutic uses for existing or previously shelved compounds. Below are some of the most compelling examples that continue to shape the future of pharmaceutical innovation.
1. From Angina to Icon: Sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio)
Originally developed for angina, sildenafil’s unexpected effect on erectile function led to its reinvention as Viagra — a blockbuster in men’s health. Later, it found a second niche treating pulmonary hypertension [1].
2. Redemption Story: Thalidomide
Once synonymous with tragedy, thalidomide was re-evaluated decades later for its anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties. Today, it plays a critical role in treating multiple myeloma and leprosy complications [2].
3. A Side Effect Turned Solution: Minoxidil
Initially prescribed for severe hypertension, minoxidil surprised researchers when patients reported hair regrowth. Reformulated as a topical treatment, it became a go-to solution for androgenetic alopecia [3].
4. A Pandemic Workhorse: Dexamethasone
A decades-old corticosteroid, dexamethasone became a global lifeline during COVID-19. The RECOVERY trial confirmed its ability to reduce mortality in critically ill patients, making it the first proven life-saving treatment of the pandemic [4].
5. From Ebola to Emergency Use: Remdesivir
Though it didn’t succeed against Ebola, remdesivir was rapidly repurposed during the COVID-19 crisis. It helped shorten hospital stays, offering critical relief to overburdened healthcare systems [5].
6. The Everyday Pill with Lifesaving Impact: Aspirin
Aspirin’s journey from pain reliever to cardiovascular protector is a classic case of repurposing. Its antiplatelet properties now make it a cornerstone in preventing heart attacks and strokes [6].
🌍 Why These Stories Matter — And What Comes Next
These examples aren’t just historical footnotes — they’re strategic case studies. In an era of patent cliffs, rising R&D costs, and global access challenges, drug repurposing offers a faster, cost-effective path to innovation.
At Saanvi Pharma Consulting UG (hb.), we help pharmaceutical and biotech companies unlock the full potential of repurposing. Our services include:
- 🔍 Identifying high-potential repurposing candidates
- đź“Š Assessing market viability and regulatory exclusivity windows
- 🧠Prioritizing compounds based on strategic, clinical, and commercial value
- 🧾 Supporting audit-ready documentation and regulatory pathways
Whether you’re exploring lifecycle extension, repositioning off-patent molecules, or seeking new indications for shelved assets — we bring clarity, compliance, and strategic foresight to your decision-making.
đź“© Ready to explore how repurposing can accelerate your pipeline? Contact us to start the conversation.
References
1. Antithrombotic Trialists’ (ATT) Collaboratio, et al. Aspirin in the primary and secondary prevention of vascular disease: collaborative meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomised trials. Lancet. 2009;373(9678):1849–1860. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60503-1
2. Boolell M et al. Sildenafil: an orally active type 5 cyclic GMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor for the treatment of penile erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res. 1996 Jun;8(2):47-52. PMID: 8858389.
3. Singhal S, et al. Antitumor activity of thalidomide in refractory multiple myeloma. N Engl J Med. 1999 Nov 18;341(21):1565-71. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199911183412102.
4. Goren A, Naccarato T. Minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Dermatol Ther. 2018 Sep;31(5):e12686. doi: 10.1111/dth.12686. Epub 2018 Aug 28. PMID: 30155952.
5. RECOVERY Collaborative Group. Dexamethasone in hospitalized patients with Covid-19. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(8):693–704. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2021436
6. Beigel JH, Tomashek KM, Dodd LE, et al. Remdesivir for the treatment of Covid-19 — final report. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(19):1813–1826. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2007764
