Drug repurposing involves finding new uses for existing drugs outside their original purpose. In oncology, this approach can speed up the discovery of cancer treatments by using drugs with known safety profiles.
Faster way to treat patients
Drug repurposing can help urgently needed treatments reach patients more quickly. There are many drugs already on the market that may also have potential efficacy for other disease states. Exploring that efficacy for other indications offers prospects for a cost-effective and time-efficient way to deal with costly drugs.
Drug Repurposing library
In order to support researchers in bringing novel therapeutic applications to the patient at affordable costs, Oncode Institute has acquired the next generation Drug Repurposing library, which contains more than 6.000 drugs in various stages of clinical development (abandoned, off-patent, launched, etc). The unique composition of the library is described in a publication of the Broad Institute in Nature Medicine. The Drug Repurposing programme enables all Oncode researchers and external researchers working in the field of oncology to have access to the library.
Researchers that are interested to execute a screen with this library, can request a copy of the library. Paul Geurink (LUMC) or Roderick Beijersbergen (NKI) can provide support and expertise for a fee.
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Anoushka Samat
Anoushka is a biomedical scientist by training with a Masters in Biology of Disease from Utrecht University and a specialization in Immunology from the UMCU. Drawn to Oncode Institute's mission and collaborative spirit, she joined as a Junior Programme Manager in 2025, to help translate scientific excellence into societal impact. Anoushka thrives on connecting people and fostering collaboration. As lead of the Drug Repurposing Programme, she hopes to facilitate the exploration of new therapeutic opportunities from existing medicines for patients who urgently need them in a cost-effective and time-efficient way. Anoushka is working with fellow Oncode researchers to highlight innovative technologies within the community, with the aim to foster connections and promote knowledge exchange. She also provides support for other programmes and initiatives in the Research & Community Support Team.