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Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Drug Repurposing Hypothesis Generation Using the "RE:fine Drugs" System
Published on: December 11, 2016
Drug repurposing in oncology--patient and health systems opportunities
Francesco Bertolini1, Vikas P Sukhatme2, Gauthier Bouche3
1Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
In most countries, healthcare service budgets are not likely to support the current explosion in the cost of new oncology drugs. Repurposing the large arsenal of approved, non-anticancer drugs is an attractive strategy to offer more-effective options to patients with cancer, and has the substantial advantages of cheaper, faster and safer preclinical and clinical validation protocols. The potential benefits are so relevant that funding of academically and/or independently driven preclinical and clinical research programmes should be considered at both national and international levels. To date, successes in oncology drug repurposing have been limited, despite strong evidence supporting the use of many different drugs. A lack of financial incentives for drug developers and limited drug development experience within the non-profit sector are key reasons for this lack of success. We discuss these issues and offer solutions to finally seize this opportunity in the interest of patients and societies, globally.
Insights
Drug repurposing offers a cost-effective strategy for developing new cancer treatments. Despite potential benefits, limited financial incentives and non-profit sector experience hinder progress in oncology drug repurposing.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Rising costs of novel oncology drugs strain healthcare budgets globally.
- Drug repurposing presents a viable alternative, leveraging existing approved non-anticancer drugs.
- This strategy offers advantages in cost, speed, and safety for preclinical and clinical validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of drug repurposing in oncology.
- To identify barriers limiting the success of oncology drug repurposing.
- To propose solutions for overcoming these challenges and realizing the benefits of drug repurposing.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on drug repurposing in cancer treatment.
- Analysis of economic and developmental factors influencing drug repurposing initiatives.
- Discussion of strategies to incentivize drug developers and support non-profit research.
Main Results:
- Limited success to date in oncology drug repurposing, despite strong evidence for many drugs.
- Key barriers identified: lack of financial incentives for drug developers and insufficient drug development expertise in the non-profit sector.
- Significant potential benefits for patients and healthcare systems if these barriers are addressed.
Conclusions:
- Oncology drug repurposing is a promising but underutilized strategy.
- Addressing financial incentives and enhancing non-profit sector capabilities are crucial for success.
- Increased national and international funding for academic and independent research is recommended to advance this field.
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