REMEDi4ALL

Collaboration in the development and implementation of repurposed medicines

REMEDi4ALL is an acronym for REpurposing of MEDicines 4ALL. The European consortium has been funded by the European Commission for 5 years (2022-2027). It consists of 24 partners, ranging from universities and other research institutes to rare disease research advocates, the Belgian Anticancer Fund, the Dutch ZonMw, regulatory authorities, experts in the field of health technology assessment and the pharmaceutical industry. The consortium aims to create a European platform that can facilitate and thus accelerate the use of existing medicines for new indications.

The importance of drug repurposing

Drug repurposing consists of finding new therapeutic applications for existing drugs. This may be the result of an accidental discovery of an 'adverse reaction' to the use of a drug or that scientists find a new application based on the underlying mechanism of action. Building on the knowledge previously generated about the safety and effectiveness of a specific drug, researchers can explore new indications, potentially making use of the steps already completed during the drug development process. This means that scientific knowledge and resources are used efficiently and that research can move faster to provide patients with innovative therapeutic options where treatments are not available.

Why a platform for drug repurposing?

Despite the great potential of drug repurposing, there are still numerous barriers. There are economic, regulatory, and policy-related barriers. There are also inefficiencies, such as a fragmented ecosystem and lack of patient-centricity in the research process. REMEDi4ALL wants to facilitate drug repurposing, precisely where it does not happen automatically. For example, in the case of rare diseases, cancer or emerging threats to public health such as covid-19. The platform consists of an infrastructure that is harmonised, coordinated and accessible at European level; A one-stop shop where anyone with a good idea can find the necessary expertise, tools and resources to continue the process. In addition, REMEDi4ALL is working on creating a more favourable policy environment for drug repurposing by bringing key stakeholders together in a debate forum, to identify current barriers and explore creative solutions and incentives.