Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aureolic acid group of anti-cancer
drugs belong to the class of generic drugs. Research with some members of these two
groups of drugs in different laboratories has unveiled functions other than those for
which they were primarily developed as drugs. Here we have reviewed the molecular
mechanism behind the multiple functions of these drugs that might lead to employ them
for treatment of diseases in addition to those they are presently employed. The distinct
advantage of using old drugs for alternate functions lies in their well-studied Absorption
Distribution Metabolism Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) profile.
Keywords: Alternate functions, alzheimer disease, anti-cancer, aureolic acid
group, COX dependent and COX independent pathways, Drug repositioning,
metal chelation, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers.