Filling the gap in CNS drug development: evaluation of the role of drug repurposing

摘要

Background and objective: Background and objective: Drug repurposing has been considered a cost-effective and reduced-risk strategy for developing new drugs. Little is known and documented regarding the efficiency of repurposing strategies in drug development. The objective of this article is to assess the extent and meaning of this process in the CNS area.Methods: In order to identify repurposed drugs that target the CNS, an extensive search was performed. For each identified case, its initial and target indication, development status and the type of repurposing strategy (repositioning, reformulation or both) was recorded.Results: One hundred and eighteen source products were identified. They were repurposed (mainly repositioned) 203 times with 81 products repurposed once and 38 products repurposed twice or more. The highest number of source drugs originated from the CNS area. Alzheimer’s disease was targeted most often. Half of the new indications were approved. Regarding repurposing within the ...