South America Drug Repurposing Market Overview
As per MRFR analysis, the South America Drug Repurposing Market Size was estimated at 30 (USD Million) in 2023. The South America Drug Repurposing Market Industry is expected to grow from 33.8(USD Million) in 2024 to 152.1 (USD Million) by 2035. The South America Drug Repurposing Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 14.652% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035)
Key South America Drug Repurposing Market Trends Highlighted
In South America, the Drug Repurposing Market is experiencing significant shifts driven by several key market drivers. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, coupled with the growing demand for cost-effective treatment options, has led to a rising interest in repurposing existing drugs for new therapeutic uses.Â
Governments in the region are actively promoting research initiatives that facilitate the development of repurposed drugs, providing support to local laboratories and research institutions. This not only accelerates the process of bringing medications to market but also enhances the focus on ethical considerations in drug testing and approval processes.
There are substantial opportunities to be explored in the South American market, particularly in addressing unmet medical needs and rare diseases prevalent in the region. The interplay of economic factors and healthcare accessibility is leading organizations to focus on affordable treatments, making repurposing an attractive strategy for pharmaceutical companies. Moreover, collaborations between public and private sectors are fostering an innovative ecosystem, propelling advancements in clinical trial frameworks that support drug repurposing.Â
Recent trends indicate a growing collaboration between universities and healthcare institutions to leverage academic research for hastening drug repurposing.South America is witnessing an uptick in clinical trials for repurposed drugs, reflecting an increased agility in adapting to emerging health challenges such as infectious diseases and cancer. Also, the integration of digital health solutions is playing a crucial role in tracking patient responses and optimizing treatment plans.Â
As these developments continue, the South America Drug Repurposing Market is poised for further growth, fostering a proactive healthcare landscape focused on improving patient outcomes efficiently.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
South America Drug Repurposing Market Drivers
Rising Incidence of Chronic Diseases
The increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, is a major factor driving the South America drug repurposing market. The Pan American Health Organization estimates that the number of people with diabetes in the area has increased by 22% in the past five years, reaching an estimated 32 million. An estimated 10 million people in Brazil, for example, have diabetes, which is driving up demand for accessible and efficient treatment options.Â
Utilizing their current R&D frameworks, pharmaceutical firms may accelerate the availability of therapies to address certain illnesses by repurposing existing medication molecules. To develop solutions for managing chronic conditions in the South American market, well-known companies like Novartis and Roche have made large investments in medication repurposing initiatives, which have fueled market expansion.
Government Initiatives and Framework.
There is a growing trend of supportive government initiatives aimed at promoting drug repurposing efforts in South America. The Brazilian Health Ministry has launched programs to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to engage in drug repurposing research. These initiatives include tax benefits and grants for companies focused on innovative therapeutic solutions derived from existing medications.Â
Such measures are designed to enhance patient access to therapeutic alternatives while driving overall industry growth.The National Agency for Health Surveillance (ANVISA) has also streamlined the regulatory processes for drug approvals, facilitating an environment ripe for new therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing the needs of the population, thus positively impacting the South America Drug Repurposing Market Industry.
Technological Advancements in Drug Discovery.
Advancements in technology and computational biology have revolutionized the process of drug repurposing, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Machine learning and artificial intelligence applications are aiding researchers and pharmaceutical companies in identifying potential repurposing candidates with greater accuracy. For example, Mexico's National Autonomous University has reported that integrating AI in drug discovery can reduce the average time to identify repurposed drugs by as much as 30%.
This enables faster delivery of treatments to patients while utilizing existing compounds more effectively, thereby stimulating growth in the South America Drug Repurposing Market Industry as companies strive to remain competitive in an evolving landscape.
South America Drug Repurposing Market Segment Insights
Drug Repurposing Market Types Insights
The South America Drug Repurposing Market showcases a comprehensive segmentation centered around Types, with major areas including Disease-centric, Target-centric, and Drug-centric approaches. This market is driven by the need for innovative solutions to existing health challenges, and the Drug Repurposing strategy presents a promising avenue to expedite the availability of therapies. The Disease-centric aspect captures attention as it focuses on specific illnesses and combating them through existing drugs, which not only reduces Research and Development costs but also greatly shortens the timelines required for bringing treatments to patients.
Target-centric approaches emphasize the importance of particular biological targets for therapy, making them crucial in optimizing drug efficacy and minimizing side effects, thereby significantly enhancing patient outcomes. The Drug-centric focus presents a unique opportunity to extend the therapeutic use of established drugs, offering cost-effective alternatives that can rejuvenate drug pipelines and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. In the South America region, where healthcare disparities exist, innovative drug repurposing strategies could transform the landscape by improving access to treatments in a timelier fashion.
The market dynamics reflect growing recognition of these methodologies, with various stakeholders acknowledging the significance of leveraging existing drugs to tailor treatments for diverse populations. Moreover, as the South America Drug Repurposing Market data indicates, the rise in chronic diseases and increasing prevalence of complex medical conditions amplify the relevance of these types. The statistics suggest that the ongoing emphasis on cost-effective solutions is likely to promote advancements in these areas, encouraging collaborations between healthcare entities, academic institutions, and regulatory bodies.
This aligns with regional healthcare policies focused on improving patient accessibility and outcomes, thus creating a robust environment for growth rooted in innovative yet practical approaches to drug use. Overall, the Types segmentation in the South America Drug Repurposing Market hints at significant potential and opportunities that can reshape therapeutic strategies in the region.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Drug Repurposing Market Therapeutic Area Insights
The Therapeutic Area segment of the South America Drug Repurposing Market is gaining traction as an essential component of pharmaceutical development within the region. This segment includes repurposing drugs within the same therapeutic area as well as exploring entirely different therapeutic categories. The focus on the Same Therapeutic Area often leads to a quicker return on investment due to existing knowledge of the drug's safety profile and pharmacodynamics.Â
Conversely, repurposing into Different Therapeutic Areas offers vast potential for untapped therapies and could address unmet medical needs, especially in a diverse healthcare landscape like South America, where diseases can vary significantly between urban and rural populations.The region's unique disease burdens, such as tropical diseases and chronic conditions, highlight the necessity for innovative approaches in treatment options, fostering an environment conducive to drug repurposing initiatives.Â
Expansion in clinical research and collaborations between academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies are also contributing to the growth of this segment, allowing for the identification of novel uses for existing drugs, thus aligning with emerging healthcare needs and improving patient outcomes in South America. Overall, understanding the Therapeutic Area dynamics offers valuable insights into how the South America Drug Repurposing Market is evolving and adapting to regional healthcare challenges.
Drug Repurposing Market Drug Molecules Insights
The South America Drug Repurposing Market exhibits a strong focus on Drug Molecules, which include pivotal categories such as Biologics and Small Molecules. The growing demand for innovative treatment solutions in South America has propelled the significance of Drug Molecules, as they offer opportunities for expedited development and lower costs. Biologics have become increasingly important due to their efficacy in treating chronic diseases and their ability to target specific pathways, providing clinicians with advanced options.Â
Meanwhile, Small Molecules are essential for their versatility and established delivery mechanisms, making them indispensable in therapeutic regimens across various disease states.As the South American population continues to experience rising healthcare needs, the demand for Drug Molecules is expected to expand, offering both challenges and opportunities for pharmaceutical companies operating in the region.Â
The focus on Drug Molecules aligns with ongoing advancements in biotechnology and Research and Development efforts, further highlighting the dynamic nature of the South America Drug Repurposing Market.
South America Drug Repurposing Market Key Players and Competitive Insights
The South America Drug Repurposing Market has been gaining traction due to various factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the rising costs associated with drug development, and the growing demand for cost-effective treatment options. Drug repurposing, the strategy of finding new uses for existing medications, allows for quicker regulatory approval and market entry compared to traditional drug development.Â
The landscape of this market is characterized by a plethora of players, including pharmaceutical giants, biotech firms, and research institutions. These stakeholders are continuously vying for a competitive edge by enhancing their research capabilities, expanding their operational footprints, and engaging in strategic collaborations.Â
Emerging economies in South America, undergoing rapid healthcare advancements and investments, further contribute to the dynamic nature of this market, making it essential for companies to adopt innovative approaches and leverage local partnerships.AstraZeneca has established a notable presence in the South America Drug Repurposing Market with its strong commitment to research and development, particularly focusing on diseases with significant unmet medical needs. The company has a vast portfolio that includes a range of therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases.Â
AstraZeneca's strengths lie in its robust pipeline of repurposed drugs, supported by extensive clinical research and collaborations with local healthcare institutions. Their experience in navigating regulatory pathways in various South American countries enhances their ability to bring repurposed drugs to market efficiently. This strategic positioning allows AstraZeneca to capitalize on its existing infrastructure and resources while addressing local health challenges through tailored repurposing strategies.Roche has made significant strides in the South America Drug Repurposing Market with its focus on innovative therapies and personalized medicine.Â
The company is well-regarded for its cutting-edge research and development initiatives, particularly in oncology and rare diseases, which play a crucial role in drug repurposing efforts. Roche's strengths include a solid portfolio of products that have shown potential for repurposing, in addition to its commitment to advancing scientific research through partnerships with regional healthcare providers and academic institutions. The company has also engaged in several strategic mergers and acquisitions aimed at bolstering its capabilities in drug discovery and development, allowing it to enhance its market share in South America.Â
Roche's collaborative approach, coupled with its extensive experience in navigating the complexities of the South American healthcare regulatory landscape, positions it as a formidable player in this evolving market.
Key Companies in the South America Drug Repurposing Market Include
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
South America Drug Repurposing Market Industry Developments
Recent developments in the South America Drug Repurposing Market are notable, particularly with companies like AstraZeneca, Roche, and Merck and Co., which have accelerated their efforts in innovative drug reuse strategies amid growing public health challenges. The pandemic has led to enhanced collaboration among pharmaceutical firms, including a surge in partnerships between Eli Lilly and Sanofi for joint initiatives focusing on repurposed therapies in treating infectious diseases prevalent in the region.Â
In August 2023, AstraZeneca announced its plans to invest in strengthening its Research and Development capabilities, specifically targeting diseases endemic to South America. Additionally, there was a reported acquisition of a smaller biotech firm by Roche in September 2023, aimed at enhancing their portfolio in rare disease treatments that could benefit from repurposing existing drugs. Over the last two to three years, significant market growth is observed, especially with Novartis and Pfizer working on developing treatment protocols for conditions like COVID-19 and its long-term effects, significantly impacting local healthcare systems. This growth underscores the increasing importance of drug repurposing in addressing unmet medical needs across South America.
South America Drug Repurposing Market Segmentation Insights
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Drug Repurposing Market Types Outlook
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Drug Repurposing Market Therapeutic Area Outlook
- Different Therapeutic Area
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Drug Repurposing Market Drug Molecules Outlook
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Drug Repurposing Market Regional Outlook
Report Attribute/Metric Source: |
Details |
MARKET SIZE 2023 |
30.0(USD Million) |
MARKET SIZE 2024 |
33.8(USD Million) |
MARKET SIZE 2035 |
152.1(USD Million) |
COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE (CAGR) |
14.652% (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, HoffmannLa Roche, GSK, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries |
SEGMENTS COVERED |
Types, Therapeutic Area, Drug Molecules, Regional |
KEY MARKET OPPORTUNITIES |
Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, Rising investment in R&D initiatives, Expanding regulatory support frameworks, Growth in personalized medicine trends, Collaborations with academic institutions |
KEY MARKET DYNAMICS |
increasing healthcare costs, growing regulatory support, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, need for faster drug development, expanding biotech investments |
COUNTRIES COVERED |
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of South America |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The South America Drug Repurposing Market is expected to be valued at approximately 33.8 million USD in 2024.
By 2035, the market is projected to reach a value of around 152.1 million USD.
The expected CAGR for the South America Drug Repurposing Market is approximately 14.652% from 2025 to 2035.
The key regions include Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and the Rest of South America.
In 2024, Brazil is expected to hold the largest market share, valued at around 10.0 million USD.
The Drug-centric segment of the market is projected to grow to approximately 53.1 million USD by 2035.
In 2024, the Disease-centric segment is valued at about 10.0 million USD.
Major players include AstraZeneca, Roche, Merck & Co, and Amgen among others.
The Target-centric segment is expected to reach a market size of approximately 54.0 million USD by 2035.
Challenges include regulatory hurdles and the need for extensive clinical validation in drug repurposing.