Repurposing Library
ChemDiv’s library of approved small molecule compounds for repurposing purposes contains 4,541 drugs approved by national regulatory bodies in various countries.
The library of small molecule compounds comprises a diverse collection of already approved drugs, each with established safety profiles and known pharmacokinetic properties. This collection includes a wide range of therapeutic agents, from antibiotics and antivirals to oncology and central nervous system drugs, reflecting the breadth of medical applications these compounds can address. Utilizing approved drugs for repurposing offers significant advantages over developing novel pharmaceuticals from scratch. The primary benefit is the reduced risk of adverse effects, given that these compounds have already undergone extensive safety and efficacy evaluations in humans. Additionally, the development timeline for repurposed drugs is often shorter, as preclinical toxicology and early-phase clinical trials may be bypassed, thereby accelerating the path to market and reducing overall costs.
Approved drugs can be leveraged to develop therapeutics for new indications through a process known as drug repurposing or repositioning. Researchers can screen the library against various biological targets associated with neglected or rare diseases, conditions that often lack sufficient commercial incentives for traditional drug development. By identifying new molecular mechanisms and pathways that these existing drugs can modulate, scientists can uncover novel therapeutic uses. For example, a cancer drug with anti-inflammatory properties might be repurposed for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, or an antiviral could be explored for its potential in neurodegenerative disorders. This strategic approach harnesses the untapped potential of existing medications, opening new therapeutic avenues and providing hope for patients with unmet medical needs.
The repurposing library offers substantial benefits for pharmaceutical companies and researchers. For companies, this approach can extend the commercial lifespan of existing drugs, providing additional revenue streams with lower investment risks. It also enhances the company’s portfolio by diversifying the range of therapeutic indications. For researchers, the library provides an invaluable resource for rapid hypothesis testing and proof-of-concept studies, enabling more efficient and cost-effective exploration of new treatment possibilities. Furthermore, repurposing can expedite the clinical trial process, as the safety profile of the compounds is already well-documented, allowing for more focused studies on efficacy in new indications. This synergy of speed, cost-effectiveness, and safety profiles makes drug repurposing an attractive strategy in the search for innovative treatments.