Perspectives in the field of Pharmaceutical Repositioning: advantages and challenges

Abstract

The process of repositioning drugs is related to the discovery of new clinical benefits of drugs known and already on the market in the treatment of other diseases, presenting an intersectoral and broad panel of advantages. However, it is necessary to verify the regulatory and economic obstacles that may permeate this process. This study aims to present an overview of pharmacological repositioning, focusing on its advantages and disadvantages. A qualitative study was carried out, using the process of narrative and reflective review, using the PICo strategy to support the investigation. The search took place from December 2021 to February 2022, aiming at a broad bibliographic analysis with contemplation of the benefits and challenges of pharmacological reuse, not requiring the opinion of a research ethics committee for its development. The repositioning of drugs essentially presents a simplification of procedures in the face of the introduction of a drug previously approved on the market. This technique allows the final consumer, carrier of the disease, to have access to a therapy more quickly, up to 80% cheaper, with greater chances of remaining in the market. However, in practice, a smaller fraction reaches the final stages effectively. That's because a repositioned drug still needs to go through phase II and III clinical trials for its new purpose. Another theme added to the scenario of limitations is the business model of large pharmaceutical companies, barred from bureaucratic issues related to patents. Therefore, this work highlights the need to seek to mitigate corporate impasses that slow possible innovative results, and it is up to researchers to emphasize the importance of this method in health emergencies.