Table of Contents
Introduction
New York, NY – January 9, 2025 – Global Drug Repurposing Market size is expected to be worth around US$ 51.8 Billion by 2033 from US$ 32.1 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033. With a market share overb, North America held a strong lead in 2023, reaching US$ 14.8 Billion in revenue.
Drug repurposing, also called drug repositioning, is a strategy for discovering new therapeutic uses for existing drugs. This process may involve identifying a novel clinical application for an already approved drug used for a different condition or finding potential uses for an unapproved compound. Compared to traditional drug discovery, repurposing offers significant advantages, including reduced costs and shorter development timelines.
The approach is rooted in polypharmacology, which leverages the understanding that complex diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders involve intricate gene networks requiring multiple pharmacological targets. By utilizing systems biology and computational techniques, drug repurposing enables efficient identification of potential treatments for these diseases. Advances in computational biology and increased computing power have created opportunities to explore treatments for rare conditions using existing drugs.
Academic research groups, startup companies, and pharmaceutical firms are actively engaging in drug repurposing initiatives. Many pharmaceutical companies have formed partnerships with these organizations to explore new applications for their existing drug portfolios. For example, in 2016, Sanofi Genzyme partnered with Recursion Pharmaceuticals to discover novel uses for Sanofi’s clinical-stage molecules targeting genetic diseases. Similarly, Astellas Pharma Inc. collaborated with Biovista Inc. and NuMedii, Inc. to explore drug repurposing opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Market Size: The Drug Repurposing Market is projected to grow from USD 32.1 billion in 2023 to USD 51.8 billion by 2033.
- Market Growth: The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.
- Approach Type: The disease-centric approach led the market, accounting for 42.6% of the market share in 2023.
- Therapeutic Area: Drugs repurposed within the same therapeutic area held a dominant 67.3% market share in 2023 and are expected to grow further.
- Drug Molecules: Biologics represented a significant portion of the market, contributing to 61.5% of the total share.
- Regional Analysis: North America was the leading region, capturing 46.3% of the market share with USD 14.8 billion in revenue in 2023.
- Strategic Approaches: Key players are focusing on product development, geographical expansion, and mergers and acquisitions to address rising market demand.
- Pandemic Influence: The market maintained resilience during the pandemic, supported by increased use of repurposed drugs and supplements recommended by healthcare providers globally.
Segmentation Analysis
- Type of Approach Analysis: The drug repurposing market includes disease-centric, target-centric, and drug-centric approaches. The disease-centric approach holds 42.6% market share in 2023, as it quickly identifies connections between symptoms. Target-centric approaches are projected to grow rapidly, fueled by advancements in computational biology and financial investments, linking approved medications to new indications.
- Therapeutic Area Analysis: Drug repurposing focuses on same and different therapeutic areas. In 2023, same therapeutic area dominated with a 67.3% market share. For example, repurposing drugs like breast cancer treatments for ovarian cancer shows success in 31% of FDA-approved drugs. High medicine costs and slow R&D drive interest in repurposing for different therapeutic areas, with expected growth ahead.
- Drug Molecules Analysis: The market includes biologics and small molecules, with biologics leading at 61.5% market share. Biologics’ precision and fewer side effects contribute to their growth. Rising demand for small molecules stems from their versatility, small size, and ability to treat various conditions. Advances in biotechnology continue to fuel the expansion of biologics.
How Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Changing the Drug Repurposing Market?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is significantly transforming the drug repurposing landscape by enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of identifying new therapeutic uses for existing medications. AI-driven algorithms analyze vast datasets, including genomic information, clinical records, and scientific literature, to uncover potential drug-disease relationships that may not be evident through traditional methods.
- Accelerated Drug Discovery: AI expedites the identification of candidate drugs for repurposing. For instance, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have developed AI tools capable of predicting patient responses to cancer treatments by analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data, thereby facilitating more precise matching of existing drugs to new indications.
- Enhanced Predictive Modeling: AI models integrate diverse biological and chemical data to predict how existing drugs might interact with new disease targets. This approach has been applied in Alzheimer’s disease research, where AI-based analyses have identified FDA-approved drugs with potential efficacy against Alzheimer’s, streamlining the repurposing process.
- Optimization of Clinical Trials: AI assists in designing and optimizing clinical trials for repurposed drugs by identifying suitable patient populations and predicting outcomes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges the role of AI in enhancing drug development processes, including repurposing efforts, by improving trial efficiency and success rates.
- Case Study – Alzheimer’s Disease: AI has been employed to identify existing drugs that may be repurposed for Alzheimer’s treatment. By analyzing large-scale genomic and clinical data, AI models have pinpointed potential therapeutic candidates, accelerating the development of effective treatments for this complex disease.
Emerging Trends in Drug Repurposing
- Use of Real-World Data: Real-world healthcare data is becoming a key tool in drug repurposing. Researchers analyze information from everyday medical settings to uncover new drug applications. For instance, studies suggest beta-blockers may improve survival rates in certain breast cancer patients. This trend allows for faster insights into potential therapies without waiting for lengthy clinical trials. Using existing data sources like patient records and treatment outcomes offers a cost-effective way to identify promising drug candidates. Real-world data shortens the time needed to connect drugs to new medical conditions, making treatments accessible more quickly to patients. It is also driving interest in personalized medicine approaches.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming drug repurposing efforts. AI algorithms process large datasets to find potential matches between drugs and diseases. This approach accelerates the discovery process compared to traditional methods. A notable example is AI identifying new antibiotics effective against resistant bacteria. Machine learning models analyze biological data to predict new uses for existing drugs. These advancements have led to significant breakthroughs in drug discovery. AI also reduces research costs by identifying high-potential candidates earlier in the process. This integration is opening doors for innovative treatments while supporting precision medicine and global health initiatives.
- Focus on Rare Diseases: Drug repurposing is gaining momentum in the treatment of rare diseases. Many rare conditions lack effective therapies due to limited research funding and market size. By repurposing existing drugs, researchers can offer faster solutions for these underserved populations. Collaborative efforts between academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and patient advocacy groups are advancing this trend. For example, drugs developed for common illnesses are being tested for rare metabolic disorders. This approach minimizes risks associated with new drug development. Repurposing also helps address gaps in healthcare access, ensuring patients with rare conditions receive effective treatments sooner.
- Computational Methods: Computational tools are revolutionizing drug repurposing by providing data-driven predictions. Advanced models simulate biological pathways to match drugs with potential new uses. These tools analyze vast datasets, including genetic and clinical information. For instance, computational methods have identified potential therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. By automating analysis, researchers can reduce the time needed for drug testing and approval. This trend enables precision targeting of diseases with unmet needs. Computational methods also optimize resource allocation, ensuring research focuses on the most promising candidates. The adoption of these techniques is shaping the future of drug discovery.
Use Cases of Drug Repurposing
- Sildenafil (Viagra): Sildenafil was initially created to manage chest pain caused by heart conditions. However, during clinical trials, researchers discovered its surprising effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction. This unexpected finding led to its approval for this use, making it one of the most widely recognized drugs globally. Later, it was also approved for pulmonary hypertension, a severe lung condition. The repurposing of sildenafil not only expanded its applications but also demonstrated the potential of exploring new uses for existing drugs. This case showcases how drug repurposing can unlock significant health benefits and generate substantial commercial success.
- Thalidomide: Thalidomide was originally marketed as a sedative and morning sickness treatment in the 1950s. Despite its withdrawal due to severe side effects, researchers repurposed it to treat leprosy and multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting plasma cells. The drug has since been approved for these uses, offering effective solutions where few options existed. Its transformation from a withdrawn medication to a life-saving treatment highlights the importance of reevaluating existing drugs. Thalidomide’s success has paved the way for other drug repurposing initiatives, demonstrating how reevaluation can benefit patient care and enhance drug development.
- Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed for heart conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart failure. However, recent research suggests they may improve survival rates in certain breast cancer patients. Studies indicate that beta-blockers can inhibit stress-related pathways, potentially reducing tumor growth. These findings have encouraged further investigation into their role in oncology. This repurposing opportunity highlights how existing drugs can address critical gaps in cancer treatment. Beta-blockers’ potential benefits in cancer care exemplify the broader value of drug repurposing in expanding treatment possibilities.
- Antifungal Agents for Chagas Disease: Drugs like posaconazole and ravuconazole were developed to combat fungal infections. More recently, researchers have explored their use in treating Chagas disease, a parasitic illness prevalent in tropical regions. Chagas disease is often neglected due to limited funding and research. By repurposing antifungal agents, scientists aim to provide an effective and affordable treatment for affected populations. These drugs offer hope for addressing a significant healthcare need. This use case demonstrates how drug repurposing can tackle neglected diseases, improving global health outcomes and supporting underserved communities.
Conclusion
Drug repurposing, or repositioning, represents a cost-effective and time-efficient strategy for discovering new therapeutic applications for existing drugs. This approach leverages polypharmacology, computational biology, and artificial intelligence to address complex diseases and underserved conditions, including rare diseases. The market is expected to grow significantly, driven by advancements in AI, real-world data integration, and computational tools, with biologics and same-therapeutic area drugs leading the segments.
Collaborative efforts among pharmaceutical companies, academia, and startups are fostering innovation in this field. Use cases like sildenafil, thalidomide, and beta-blockers highlight the transformative potential of repurposing drugs for unmet medical needs. This trend promises to revolutionize drug discovery, offering effective treatments while addressing healthcare challenges globally.
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