Journal of Antivirals & Antiretrovirals
Open Access

Using FDA-Approved Drugs for Antiviral and Anti-Retroviral Therapy: A Promising Strategy for Global Health

^*Correspondence: Makers Pater, Department of Pharmacology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA, Email:

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Description

In the unstoppable battle against viral infections, the search for effective treatments often leads researchers down new avenues. One such avenue gaining increasing attention is the repurposing of FDA-approved drugs for antiviral and anti-retroviral therapy. This strategy offers a unique opportunity to speed up the drug development process, mitigate risks, and potentially improve patient outcomes. As we search into the world of drug repurposing, it becomes evident that this approach holds immense promise for combating viral diseases on a global scale. The concept of drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning or reprofiling, involves identifying new therapeutic uses for existing drugs that have already been approved for different indications. Unlike traditional drug discovery approaches, which often entail years of preclinical research and extensive clinical trials, repurposing FDA-approved drugs offers a shortcut to clinical application. By using existing safety and pharmacokinetic data, researchers can fast-track promising candidates into clinical trials, significantly reducing time and costs associated with drug development. One of the key advantages of repurposing FDA-approved drugs for antiviral therapy lies in the vast library of compounds readily available for investigation. Pharmaceutical companies invest billions of dollars and countless hours in the development of new drugs, resulting in a wealth of compounds with established safety profiles and known pharmacological properties. By repurposing these drugs for antiviral indications, researchers can capitalize on this existing knowledge base, accelerating the translation of promising candidates from bench to bedside. Furthermore, drug repurposing offers a more cost-effective alternative to traditional drug discovery. Developing a new drug from scratch is a lengthy and expensive process, often costing upwards of a billion dollars and taking over a decade to bring a drug to market. In contrast, repurposing FDA-approved drugs significantly reduces the financial burden associated with drug development, as much of the initial investment in safety testing and optimization has already been made. This cost-effective approach is particularly appealing in the context of antiviral therapy, where the urgent need for effective treatments necessitates swift action. Moreover, repurposing FDA-approved drugs can potentially bypass many of the challenges encountered in traditional drug discovery, such as off-target effects and toxicity. Since these drugs have already undergone extensive preclinical and clinical evaluation, their safety profiles are well-characterized, reducing the likelihood of unexpected adverse reactions. This inherent safety advantage allows researchers to focus their efforts on optimizing dosing regimens and identifying the most effective combinations, rather than grappling with safety concerns. Recent advancements in our understanding of viral pathogenesis and host-virus interactions have further fueled interest in drug repurposing for antiviral therapy. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying viral infections, researchers can identify new targets for drug intervention and uncover novel uses for existing drugs. For example, drugs originally developed to target specific cellular pathways may exhibit unforeseen antiviral properties through their interactions with viral proteins or host factors essential for viral replication. This knowledge-driven approach to drug repurposing holds immense potential for discovering innovative antiviral therapies with enhanced efficacy and specificity. In addition to its scientific merits, repurposing FDA-approved drugs for antiviral therapy has significant implications for public health and patient care. The accelerated timeline associated with drug repurposing means that promising candidates can reach patients in need more quickly, potentially saving lives in the face of emerging viral threats. This is especially critical in the context of global pandemics, where rapid deployment of effective treatments is essential for controlling the spread of infectious diseases and minimizing morbidity and mortality. Despite its undeniable advantages, drug repurposing is not without its challenges. Identifying the most promising candidates for repurposing requires careful consideration of factors such as pharmacological activity, safety profile, and potential off-target effects. Additionally, repurposed drugs may not always exhibit the same level of efficacy against viral infections as newly developed therapeutics, necessitating further optimization and combination therapy approaches. In conclusion, the repurposing of FDA-approved drugs for antiviral and anti-retroviral therapy represents a promising strategy for addressing the urgent need for effective treatments against viral infections. By using existing knowledge and infrastructure, researchers can speed up the drug development process, reduce costs, and potentially improve patient outcomes. As we continue to resolve the complexities of viral pathogenesis and host-virus interactions, drug repurposing offers a realistic approach to accelerating the discovery of novel antiviral therapies and safeguarding global health.