Advancing the human right to health in cancer care through drug repurposing strategies.

Abstract

This perspective critically evaluates the global potential of drug repurposing strategies in oncology to advance health equity and sustainable innovation. Drug repurposing, especially with off-patent medications, offers significant advantages, including reduced costs, shortened timelines for clinical implementation, and enhanced approval success rates compared to new drug development. Herein, we advocate for leveraging of repurposing as a scientifically sound and ethically responsible strategy, while acknowledging the implementation barriers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to global systemic inequities. Fostering equitable investment in research and infrastructure worldwide is essential to realizing the full potential of this approach. We also identify specific barriers to drug repurposing, including limited funding for clinical trials, inadequate support for investigator-led trials, and the lack of commercial incentives due to non-patented drug utilization. To overcome these barriers, we propose enhanced funding mechanisms, robust advocacy, targeted education initiatives, and policy prioritization for repurposing studies. Case examples illustrate the clinical potential of drug repurposing in reducing metastatic progression and improving survival outcomes. Overall, this perspective underscores drug repurposing as a viable and impactful strategy to advance both innovation and the human right to health in cancer care for all populations. By fostering a collaborative interdisciplinary effort, the benefits of this approach can pave a way for a more equitable and sustainable future in cancer care.