Repurposed drug candidates for antituberculosis therapy

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat, complicating the treatment of bacterial infections.
• The development of novel antibacterial agents is slow and costly, necessitating alternative strategies.
• Drug repurposing, using existing approved drugs for new therapeutic indications, is a promising approach to address this challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent progress in discovering new anti-tuberculosis (TB) agents via drug repurposing since 2014.
• To discuss the challenges hindering the effectiveness of drug repurposing for TB treatment.
• To analyze innovative strategies being employed to overcome these limitations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies published since 2014 focusing on drug repurposing for anti-TB activity.
• Analysis of identified repurposed drugs, their efficacy, and limitations.
• Examination of innovative approaches to enhance the utility of drug repurposing.

Main Results:

• Several approved drugs, including linezolid, vancomycin, and celecoxib, have demonstrated anti-TB activity.
• The efficacy of repurposed drugs is often limited by low activity and a restricted number of candidate compounds.
• Innovative strategies are emerging to improve the success rate of drug repurposing for TB.

Conclusions:

• Drug repurposing is a viable and cost-effective strategy for developing new anti-TB agents, especially for drug-resistant TB.
• Overcoming challenges related to low drug activity and compound availability is crucial for advancing this field.
• Continued research and innovative approaches are essential to fully realize the potential of drug repurposing in combating TB.