RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
MULTI-FACETED GATEWAYS FOR DRUG REPURPOSING Need for an integrative approach
Traditional drug discovery process is perturbed with high attrition rates, necessitating a paradigm shift towards drug repurposing, a contemporary research gaining paramount importance in reconnoitering new indications for existing drugs. This article focusses on application of multi-dimensional cutting edge technologies in accomplishing a successful drug repurposing endeavour. Saraswathy GR, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Head of Pharmacological Modelling and Simulation Centre, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences V Lakshmi Prasanna Marise, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Member of Pharmacological Modelling and Simulation Centre Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences Hema Sree, Doctoral Research Student, Pharmacological Modelling and Simulation Centre, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences Mamatha K, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Head of Pharmacological Modelling and Simulation Centre, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences Rachana R Pai, Faculty of Pharmacy Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences Swarna Mariam Jos, Faculty of Pharmacy Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences
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P H A RM A F O C U S A S I A
ISSUE 38 - 2020
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onventional drug discovery path is arduous, timeconsuming, and demands massive fiscal investments. Despite all the efforts put forth during gross drug development processes, newer drug molecules entering clinical trials either lack therapeutic efficacy or demonstrate erratic safety profiles that result in dwindling approval rates for new drug applications and revocation from the market, if already in use. Furthermore, emergence of new diseases along with growing population, dearth of promising therapeutic regimens for neglected tropical diseases and orphan disorders, pandemic, and epidemic infectious outbreaks combined with accelerated drug-resistance, tachyphylaxis, adverse effects, and idiosyncratic reactions are immensely pressurising pharmaceutical companies to design, discover and bring about authentic, safe, and effective drugs to the market in a prudential manner. To cater these never ending therapeutic requirements, a paradigm shift towards drug repurposing (DR), which is deep-rooted in polypharmacology background, is of paramount importance (Figure 1). DR, a present day trend to identify new indications for pre-approved or banned drugs, furnishes an equivalent or superior outcome over the conventional de novo methods. This conspicuous strategy has achieved notable impetus over the last decade. The evolution of DR over years from its humble serendipitous start to the space-age incorporation of artificial intelligence is an enticing feat. Recent updates on multifaceted approaches for DR and the work flow from a conceptual note to approval from regulatory agencies are depicted in Figure 2.
