Orphan/rare drug discovery through drug repositioning

There are many, often life-threatening, rare/orphan diseases for which there are few or no therapeutic options. They individually affect few people, but collectively impose very high social and economic burdens. New approaches are bringing big pharma resources to solving the problem through drug repositioning of approved drugs. Advances are being spurred by public and private partnerships, government incentives and awareness brought by patient support groups. Scientific discoveries and new technologies are creating many opportunities for drug repositioning.