We need a global system to help identify new uses for existing drugs
BMJ 2014; 348 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g1806 (Published 27 February 2014) Cite this as: BMJ 2014;348:g1806
- Ricardo Borges, professor of pharmacology and head of the pharmacology unit, University of La Laguna Medical School, The Unit of Pharmacology, E-38071 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- rborges{at}ull.es
“Identification of potential therapeutic targets for new drugs” is a phrase commonly used in grant proposals in both basic and clinical research. Every year drug companies produce and patent hundreds of new drugs that have been assessed in preclinical tests. However, despite this enormous effort and cost, the number of new drugs in the formularies and available to clinicians is ever declining, and the general feeling is that this will persist.1
Many drugs are already used for therapeutic purposes that are different from those that were initially intended. Examples include the use of antidepressants as analgesics, …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.