Recent times have witnessed an urgent need for effective antiviral therapies,
especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional drug discovery processes are
often time-consuming and resource-intensive, prompting the exploration of alternative
approaches like drug repurposing. This chapter aims to provide insights into the
potential of drug repurposing as a viable strategy for combating viral infections and
improving public health outcomes. Drug repurposing involves investigating existing
drugs, already approved for one indication, for their therapeutic potential against other
diseases, including viral infections. This approach offers several advantages, such as
reduced cost and time for clinical application, as repurposed drugs have already
undergone rigorous safety and pharmacokinetic evaluations. Zidovudine, molnupiravir,
and remdesivir are some of the examples of the successful repurposed drugs that have
demonstrated efficacy against various viral infections. However, there are instances
where repurposed drugs have not shown significant therapeutic benefit, as in the case
of hydroxychloroquine for managing COVID-19. Recent technological advancements,
such as artificial intelligence and computational biology, could revolutionize drug
repurposing for antiviral therapies. However, identifying potential drug candidates for
repurposed antiviral therapy, its safety, efficacy, and clinical outcome remains a
challenge.
Keywords: Antiviral, COVID-19, Drug repurposing, Drug discovery, Pharmacokinetics, Safety.
