Drug repurposing consists of finding new therapeutic uses for existing medicines. Building on the knowledge previously generated on safety and effectiveness for a specific drug, researchers can explore new indications, potentially leveraging those steps already completed during the drug development process. This means that scientific knowledge and resources are used efficiently, and research can move faster to provide patients with innovative therapeutic options where no treatments are available.

Drug repurposing potentially stands for more efficient research with high social impact as it offers a plausible and relatively quick route to a much-needed treatment.