Therapeutic innovation in drug repurposing: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Drug repurposing leverages existing drugs for new therapeutic uses, offering significant opportunities but facing challenges such as financial and regulatory barriers and the need for robust evidence for an efficient clinical development plan. This paper examines the critical steps in drug repurposing and their role in improving study success rates. It also highlights the support infrastructure provided by the University College London (UCL) Repurposing Therapeutic Innovation Network (TIN), as a partnership model to address these challenges through diverse expertise, enterprise insight, and tailored guidance. By fostering collaborations and offering structured support, the Repurposing TIN aims to accelerate repurposing efforts and deliver patient benefits. We invite potential collaborators to join us in advancing drug repurposing through innovative and strategic approaches.

Keywords: clinical development plan; drug repurposing; private–public partnerships; regulatory approval; therapeutic innovation; translational pharmacology.