Transforming Research into Accessible Treatments

Drug Repurposing

At Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, we believe in making a difference where it matters most—by offering hope and healing to patients who have few options. One of the ways we do this is through drug repurposing. Instead of starting from scratch with new drugs, we take existing, proven medications and explore their potential to treat severe conditions like brain cancer, vascular birthmarks, and keloid scars. This approach offers a lifeline for patients who need better, more accessible treatment options.

Why Repurpose Drugs?

Our approach to tackling these conditions includes repurposing existing drugs. By using medications already approved for other conditions, we can speed up the process of finding treatments for patients in need. These drugs often have well-understood safety profiles, which means we can move quickly and effectively to explore their potential for new uses. 

  • Faster Results: Because these medications are already approved and their safety profiles are well understood, we can accelerate research and clinical trials. This means getting potential treatments to patients sooner, offering them hope without the long wait of new drug development.

  • Cost-Effective Solutions: Developing a new drug from the ground up is incredibly expensive and time-consuming. By repurposing existing medications, we can channel our resources directly into patient-focused research and trials, making every dollar count towards life-changing outcomes.

  • Better Patient Care: Many of the treatments we develop are non-invasive, like topical or oral medications. This gives patients a chance to avoid painful surgeries or expensive, harsh treatments, offering a path to healing that’s easier to access and less physically taxing.

How We Study Repurposed Drugs: 
In our work on brain cancer, vascular birthmarks, and keloid scars, we test these medications using cutting-edge techniques like spheroids and organoids. 

  • Spheroids are clusters of cells grown in the lab that mimic how cells behave in tumors or tissues, allowing us to study how repurposed drugs affect cancer cells or scar tissue in conditions similar to the human body. 

  • Organoids—miniature models of organs grown in the lab—let us explore how these drugs interact with complex systems, such as the brain, on a deeper level. 

Through our research, we aim to provide patients with non-invasive, more affordable treatment options compared to surgeries or expensive care. 

Every breakthrough we make in repurposing drugs brings us one step closer to changing lives. But we can't do it alone. Your donation helps us continue this vital work, giving patients new hope and better options for their care. By supporting our research, you are directly contributing to the development of affordable, innovative treatments that can change the future for countless families.

Be part of this mission. Donate today, and give someone the chance at a life-saving treatment.

Support

Gillies McIndoe Research Institute is a Registered Charity (CC43660) relying mainly on private philanthropy, including donations, bequests, corporate champions, grants and scholarships. You can donate now or contact us to learn how you can support us and enable our research to continue.