GCC Drug Repurposing Market Research Report By Types (Disease-centric, Target-centric, Drug-centric), By Therapeutic Area (Same Therapeutic Area, Different Therapeutic Area) and By Drug Molecules (Biologics, Small Molecule) - Forecast to 2035

GCC Drug Repurposing Market Overview

As per MRFR analysis, the GCC Drug Repurposing Market Size was estimated at 15 (USD Million) in 2023. The GCC Drug Repurposing Market Industry is expected to grow from 16.9(USD Million) in 2024 to 80 (USD Million) by 2035. The GCC Drug Repurposing Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 15.181% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035)

Key GCC Drug Repurposing Market Trends Highlighted

The GCC Drug Repurposing Market is experiencing significant growth driven by a combination of factors such as rising healthcare costs, the urgent need for effective treatments, and advancements in biotechnology. Governments in the GCC region are increasingly investing in healthcare infrastructure, which creates a conducive environment for drug development and repurposing initiatives. Additionally, the prevalence of chronic diseases and an aging population further propel the demand for innovative therapies. 

The trend towards collaborative efforts between public and private sectors is also noteworthy, as these partnerships enhance research capabilities and streamline the drug development process.Opportunities to be explored in the GCC market include expanding research collaborations with academic institutions and increasing engagement with pharmaceutical companies that are keen on using existing drugs for new therapeutic purposes. The region's focus on developing a knowledge-based economy is paving the way for stronger research and development activities, particularly in drug repurposing, which could lead to faster approvals and reduced costs for new indications based on existing medications. 

Recent trends indicate a growing interest from regulatory bodies in fast-tracking drug repurposing processes, which aligns with global movements to expedite access to essential medicines.Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of rapidly developing treatments, further boosting efforts in this area. The GCC region is also seeing an increase in digital health solutions that assist in drug repurposing efforts, facilitating better data analysis and patient involvement. Overall, the combination of increased government support, collaborative opportunities, and innovative approaches signals a vibrant future for the drug repurposing market in the GCC.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

GCC Drug Repurposing Market Drivers

Increase in Chronic Diseases

Diabetes and cardiovascular disorders are among the chronic diseases that are becoming more common in the Gulf Cooperation Council areas. The Gulf nations have one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world, with over 29.9% of people having the disease, according to the Gulf Health Council. In the GCC Drug Repurposing Market Industry, this rise fuels demand for cutting-edge therapeutic alternatives, such as medication repurposing. 

Furthermore, there is a growing need for alternate treatment made possible by medication repurposing as a result of well-known organizations like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Health Ministers Council actively supporting health programs to better manage chronic illnesses.

Growing Investment in Research and Development

Countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council are significantly investing in Research and Development (R&D) to facilitate advancements in healthcare, particularly in drug development. The GCC region has been increasing its health sector spending, which is reported an increase to approximately 8% of GDP by 2022, according to the World Bank. 

This heavy investment fosters an environment conducive to drug repurposing efforts, as pharmaceutical companies and research institutions seek to discover new applications for existing drugs in addressing prevalent health issues.Companies like Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries and Medical Appliances Corporation are actively contributing to this growth by exploring repurposing opportunities.

Regulatory Support for Drug Repurposing

The regulatory landscape in the Gulf Cooperation Council has been evolving to support drug repurposing initiatives. Recent policies introduced by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and other regulatory bodies across the GCC are aimed at expediting the approval process for repurposed drugs. This regulatory facilitation is vital in a region where healthcare demands are high and there is a need for efficient treatment solutions. 

By streamlining the processes, these organizations are encouraging pharmaceutical companies to invest in the GCC Drug Repurposing Market Industry, leading to increased availability of repurposed therapies.

Rising Awareness of Personalized Medicine

Personalized medicine is gaining traction within the GCC region, aligning with the global trend towards tailored healthcare solutions. A report from the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute indicates that patient-centric approaches can lead to improved treatment outcomes, driving interest in drug repurposing as a method to tailor existing medications to individual patient needs. 

Organizations like the Qatar Foundation are advocating for personalized medicine initiatives, further supporting the GCC Drug Repurposing Market Industry as they explore how existing therapies can be adapted for better responses among specific patient populations.

GCC Drug Repurposing Market Segment Insights

Drug Repurposing Market Types Insights

The GCC Drug Repurposing Market is poised for significant growth, primarily driven by the diversification within its Types classification, which includes Disease-centric, Target-centric, and Drug-centric approaches. The Disease-centric approach focuses on the identification and development of existing drugs to treat new diseases, which plays a crucial role in addressing the rising incidence of chronic and rare diseases within the Gulf Cooperation Council region. Given the demographic shifts and increasing healthcare demands, such versatility in drug application can lead to cost-effective solutions for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Meanwhile, the Target-centric category emphasizes the chemical properties of drugs and their interactions with specified biological targets, enabling the repurposing of well-characterized drugs in a timely manner. This strategy lends itself effectively to accelerating the Research and Development processes, minimizing the risk associated with introducing new medications. Furthermore, the Drug-centric approach systematically assesses existing molecular compounds, harnessing their therapeutic potential in innovative ways. 

The ongoing trends of personalized medicine and precision therapies in the GCC highlight the significance of these approaches, as pharmaceutical companies look to maximize the utility of their existing portfolios amidst stringent regulatory environments.Importantly, the GCC region is seeing a push from governments and health authorities to promote innovative healthcare solutions, such as drug repurposing, which is poised to lead to more efficient healthcare systems and greater patient access to treatments. 

Overall, the segmentation of the GCC Drug Repurposing Market into these types provides a thorough framework to explore various opportunities while highlighting the drivers, challenges, and growth potentials within this evolving industry landscape.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Drug Repurposing Market Therapeutic Area Insights

The GCC Drug Repurposing Market, particularly within the Therapeutic Area segment, is showcasing significant potential driven by advancements in medical research and the urgent need for cost-effective healthcare solutions. The market segmentation includes both Same Therapeutic Area and Different Therapeutic Area applications, which play essential roles in drug development. The Same Therapeutic Area focuses on leveraging existing medications to treat additional conditions, enhancing drug efficacy while reducing Research and Development timelines.This approach minimizes the risk and costs associated with traditional drug development. 

On the other hand, the Different Therapeutic Area emphasizes innovative strategies where previously approved drugs are utilized for entirely new therapeutic purposes, catering to diverse patient needs and expanding market opportunities. As nations in the GCC strive to enhance healthcare systems, understanding the dynamics of the GCC Drug Repurposing Market segmentation aids in addressing public health challenges effectively. 

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the demand for quick therapeutic solutions are driving growth in these segments, which enables healthcare providers to offer a wider range of treatments, ultimately benefiting patients across the region.

Drug Repurposing Market Drug Molecules Insights

The Drug Molecules segment within the GCC Drug Repurposing Market showcases significant potential for growth as the pharmaceutical industry increasingly focuses on innovative treatment solutions. This segment is primarily categorized into Biologics and Small Molecules. Biologics, which include therapeutic proteins and monoclonal antibodies, play a crucial role in targeting specific disease pathways, thus enhancing treatment efficacy. Their ability to modify biological processes makes them vital in the treatment of chronic conditions prevalent in the GCC region, such as diabetes and cancer.

On the other hand, Small Molecules are dominating the market due to their versatility and ability to easily penetrate biological membranes, making them effective for a range of diseases. The GCC's emphasis on Research and Development is driving advancements in drug repurposing, leveraging existing drugs for new therapeutic uses. Additionally, government initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure and promoting local drug development are expected to bolster the pharmaceutical landscape in the region. This dynamic environment presents ample opportunities for companies engaged in drug discovery and repurposing, thereby catalyzing the growth of Drug Molecules in the GCC Drug Repurposing Market.

GCC Drug Repurposing Market Key Players and Competitive Insights

The GCC Drug Repurposing Market is characterized by its dynamic nature and the strategic maneuvers of key players operating within the region. The exploration of existing drugs for new therapeutic applications presents numerous opportunities, especially as healthcare systems in the GCC countries increasingly emphasize cost efficacy and innovative solutions to combat emerging health challenges. Factors such as an aging population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and the demand for rapid treatments are driving the interest in drug repurposing. 

Competitive insights reveal that companies are actively investing in research and development to enhance their portfolios, collaborate with local institutions, and navigate regulatory frameworks that are unique to the Gulf Cooperation Council nations.AstraZeneca has established a robust presence in the GCC Drug Repurposing Market by leveraging its extensive experience in biopharmaceuticals and a diverse product range. The company’s strengths lie in its significant investments in innovative research and collaborations with local healthcare organizations, which allow it to identify and develop new therapeutic applications for existing drugs. 

AstraZeneca’s capabilities in clinical trials and regulatory approvals within the GCC region have bolstered its ability to bring repurposed treatments to market swiftly. Their strategic focus on respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases aligns well with the prevalent health issues in the region, enabling them to effectively cater to the local population's needs.Roche has been a key player in the GCC Drug Repurposing Market, focusing on enhancing healthcare solutions through innovative therapies and personalized medicine. The company boasts a well-established presence backed by a strong portfolio, which includes both diagnostic and therapeutic agents that can be repurposed. 

Roche's strengths are reflected in its global access to cutting-edge research, which allows for the identification of new uses for well-known drugs within the local context. The company has made strategic moves through partnerships and potential mergers and acquisitions, enhancing its capabilities in drug repurposing specifically tailored to the GCC market. The integration of its diagnostics expertise with therapeutic offerings positions Roche favorably for further growth in addressing unmet medical needs in the GCC region.

Key Companies in the GCC Drug Repurposing Market Include

• AstraZeneca


• Roche


• Merck & Co


• Amgen


• Takeda Pharmaceuticals


• BristolMyers Squibb


• Celgene


• Sanofi


• Eli Lilly


• Johnson & Johnson


• Gilead Sciences


• AbbVie


• Novartis


• Pfizer

GCC Drug Repurposing Market Industry Developments

The GCC Drug Repurposing Market has recently seen significant developments, particularly with major pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca, Roche, and Gilead Sciences focusing on enhancing their drug repurposing strategies. In June 2023, Merck and Co announced a new initiative aimed at identifying existing medications for potential therapeutic use against emerging diseases in the region. Additionally, in August 2023, Bristol Myers Squibb entered into a partnership with local health authorities to facilitate research collaborations targeted towards early-stage clinical trials of repurposed drugs. 

Growth in the market valuation for drug repurposing has been bolstered by the increasing demand for cost-effective treatment alternatives, driven by a surge in chronic diseases across the GCC countries. This has prompted companies like Sanofi and Novartis to accelerate their research efforts in repurposing existing drugs for new disease indications. In the past few years, the GCC has placed strong emphasis on biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation, with government-backed initiatives supporting Research and Development in this area, thus presenting further opportunities for established and emerging market players alike.

GCC Drug Repurposing Market Segmentation Insights

• 
  Drug Repurposing Market Types Outlook
  
  
  
  • Disease-centric
  
  
  
  
  • Target-centric
  
  
  • Drug-centric
  
  


• 
  Drug Repurposing Market Therapeutic Area Outlook
  
  
  
  • Same Therapeutic Area
  
  
  
  
  • Different Therapeutic Area
  
  


• 
  Drug Repurposing Market Drug Molecules Outlook
  
  
  
  • Biologics
  
  
  
  
  • Small Molecule
  
  

Report Attribute/Metric Source:	Details
MARKET SIZE 2023	15.0(USD Million)
MARKET SIZE 2024	16.9(USD Million)
MARKET SIZE 2035	80.0(USD Million)
COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE (CAGR)	15.181% (2025 - 2035)
REPORT COVERAGE	Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
BASE YEAR	2024
MARKET FORECAST PERIOD	2025 - 2035
HISTORICAL DATA	2019 - 2024
MARKET FORECAST UNITS	USD Million
KEY COMPANIES PROFILED	AstraZeneca, Roche, Merck & Co, Amgen, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, BristolMyers Squibb, Celgene, Sanofi, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Gilead Sciences, AbbVie, Novartis, Pfizer
SEGMENTS COVERED	Types, Therapeutic Area, Drug Molecules
KEY MARKET OPPORTUNITIES	Growing chronic disease prevalence, Increasing regulatory support, Collaborative research initiatives, Rising healthcare expenditure, Expanding biotech sector
KEY MARKET DYNAMICS	increasing healthcare costs, rising incidence of chronic diseases, government support for innovation, growing demand for personalized medicine, collaborations between public and private sectors
COUNTRIES COVERED	GCC