Page 62 - ITPS-7-4

INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Drug repositioning for NTDs treatment

organizations align the efforts of governments, research industry, research institutions, international health
institutions, and private industry toward common goals. organizations, and public and non-profit organizations:
Furthermore, by supporting local health-care systems, a united front. This collaborative effort should involve
training health-care professionals, and ensuring access governments aligning regulations to support expedited
to affordable therapies (including repositioned drugs) drug approvals; pharmaceutical companies sharing
international health organizations directly improve health intellectual property and resources; and research
outcomes in affected communities. institutions advancing innovative drug repositioning

International health organizations, with their oversight techniques. International health organizations must
and global reach, are well-positioned to promote regulatory coordinate funding and implementation efforts, whereas
harmonization across countries. By streamlining the public and non-profit organizations raise awareness and
approval process for repositioned drugs, they ensure faster advocate equitable access to treatments. By joining forces
delivery to those in need. By leveraging their extensive and leveraging drug repositioning, this united front can
networks and resources, these organizations play an significantly transform the treatment landscape for NTDs,
essential role in uniting stakeholders and advancing the bringing effective and accessible therapies to millions in
fight against NTDs through effective drug repositioning impoverished regions. Given the urgency of this cause,
strategies. immediate collaborative action is imperative to develop
rapid, cost-effective solutions that will ultimately improve
4.5. Public and non-profit organizations global health. Our greatest strength lies in unity; by

Public and non-profit organizations play a vital role working together, we can transform the fight against NTDs
in raising awareness about NTDs and supporting and bring hope to millions.
fundraising efforts for research into drug repositioning. Acknowledgments
Grassroots campaigns and public education initiatives
can generate the political and financial support needed The author extends gratitude to the Global Network
to advance these projects. Moreover, these organizations for Neglected Tropical Diseases, of which he is a proud
act as crucial intermediaries, bridging the gap between member.
affected communities, policymakers, and researchers. By
advocating equitable access to treatments and promoting Funding
global partnerships, they ensure that drug repositioning This study is supported by the Medical Research Council
efforts are tailored to the specific needs of low-income (MRC) of the United Kingdom for the fellowship award.
regions, directly addressing the challenges faced by these
communities. Conflict of interest
In addition, they often lead advocacy initiatives that The author declares no competing interests.
pressure governments and international bodies to prioritize
NTD research, allocate funding, and streamline regulatory Author contributions
pathways for repositioned drugs. Organizations such This is a single-authored article.
as Médecins Sans Frontières and the Bill and Melinda
37
Gates Foundation have launched campaigns and funded Ethics approval and consent to participate
38
projects that significantly contribute to NTD research and Not applicable.
drug repositioning efforts. Their sustained advocacy and
influence help maintain momentum in the fight against Consent for publication
NTDs, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative global
health agenda that prioritizes neglected communities. Not applicable.

5. Conclusion Availability of data
Drug repositioning has emerged as a pivotal strategy in the Not applicable.
battle against NTDs, offering the potential to rapidly deliver References
effective treatments for these devastating diseases. As we
look to the future, harnessing this approach will be crucial 1. WHO. World Health Organization; 2024. Available from:
in changing the landscape of NTD treatments and bringing https://www.who.int/health-topics/neglected-tropical-
hope to millions affected. Achieving success requires diseases [Last accssed on 2024 Oct 12].
collective action from governments, the pharmaceutical 2. Porta EOJ, Ballari MS, Carlucci R, et al. Systematic study

Volume 7 Issue 4 (2024) 6 doi: 10.36922/itps.3721