Drug repurposing, or repositioning, is a key strategy in biomedical
innovation, leveraging existing approved drugs for new therapeutic uses. This approach
significantly cuts development costs and shortens the lengthy traditional drug approval
timelines. This approach is especially valuable for rare diseases, addressing unmet
needs by overcoming the high costs and challenges of developing new treatments. Drug
repurposing optimises drug utility and strategically allocates limited research resources.
In silico techniques have unlocked extraordinary opportunities in this domain, offering
a pathway to identify and validate new therapeutic indications. This can expand
treatment options and greatly improve the precision of targeted therapies. The field of
drug development has undergone an enormous shift with the introduction of in silico
techniques. Advanced computational techniques, such as artificial intelligence (AI),
machine learning (ML), and chemo-informatics, have driven a paradigm shift in
identifying and developing new drug applications. These technologies use vast
databases and advanced bioinformatics to uncover elusive drug-target interactions.
Tools like Reactome and the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)
have proven to unravel the complex interactions governing drug efficacy. The focus on
a holistic approach, integrating diverse sets of biological, clinical, and epidemiological
data, has been instrumental in opening new avenues for repurposing opportunities.
Success stories highlight the impact of in silico drug repurposing, showcasing its role
in meeting unmet medical needs and transforming therapeutic development. While in
silico drug repurposing prospects are undeniably promising, the field is not without its
challenges. The conclusion explores current challenges and potential solutions,
highlighting how innovative computational approaches can revolutionise drug
development, enhancing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and speed. The ultimate aim is
to advance personalised medicine and improve patient care with unprecedented
precision.
Keywords: Bioinformatics tools, FDA approved drugs, Pharmaceutical repositioning, Precision therapies, Therapeutic innovation.
