The global drug repurposing market is estimated to be valued at USD 35.14 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 46.87 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2025 to 2032. The global drug repurposing market represents a revolutionary approach in pharmaceutical development that focuses on identifying new therapeutic applications for existing approved drugs, significantly reducing the traditional drug development timeline and associated costs.
Drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning or therapeutic switching, leverages the established safety profiles and pharmacological properties of existing medications to address unmet medical needs across various disease areas. This innovative strategy has gained substantial momentum in recent years, particularly following successful repurposing examples such as sildenafil (originally for hypertension, later for erectile dysfunction), and more recently, the rapid deployment of existing antivirals for COVID-19 treatment.
The market encompasses various therapeutic areas including oncology, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and rare diseases, driven by advanced computational methods, artificial intelligence, and sophisticated screening technologies.
The growing prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing healthcare costs, and the urgent need for faster drug development solutions have positioned drug repurposing as a critical component of modern pharmaceutical strategies, offering significant advantages in terms of reduced development risks, shortened regulatory pathways, and improved return on investment for pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
Market Dynamics
The global drug repurposing market is primarily driven by several compelling factors that are reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape and accelerating market growth. The escalating costs and extended timelines associated with traditional drug development, which can exceed $2.6 billion and span 10-15 years, are compelling pharmaceutical companies to adopt drug repurposing strategies that can reduce development costs by up to 60% and shorten timelines to 3-12 years.
The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, aging global population, and the urgent need for treatments for rare diseases and emerging health threats are creating substantial demand for innovative therapeutic solutions.
However, the market faces significant restraints including complex intellectual property challenges, regulatory uncertainties regarding approval pathways for repurposed drugs, and limited financial incentives for generic drug manufacturers to invest in repurposing research. Additionally, the lack of standardized regulatory frameworks across different regions, potential safety concerns when drugs are used for new indications, and competition from biosimilars and generic alternatives pose considerable challenges to market growth.
Despite these constraints, the market presents substantial opportunities driven by increasing government support and funding for repurposing initiatives, growing partnerships between pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions, expanding applications in precision medicine and personalized therapy approaches, and the rising adoption of AI-driven drug discovery platforms.
Key Features of the Study
Market Segmentation
Table of Contents
*Browse 32 market data tables and 28 figures on 'Drug Repurposing Market' - Global forecast to 2032
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