Exploring new uses for existing drugs: innovative mechanisms to fund independent clinical research

The article gives a conceptual and practical overview of funding mechanisms for independent, non commercial clinical trials of repurposed medicines. It 
explores how to fund clinical trials that test new indications for already authorised medicines, particularly when these drugs are off patent and commercially not interesting for industry sponsors.

Key content includes:

• Trial planning and operational management
• Background on drug repurposing, unmet medical needs and the funding gap for independent clinical research.
• Analysis of traditional grant funding from public and philanthropic organisations as the current cornerstone for independent trials.
• Examination of newer funding mechanisms for clinical research, including crowdfunding, public private partnerships and social impact bonds or other pay for success models.
• Discussion of cross cutting issues such as high transaction costs, lack of expertise and guidance on novel finance, outcome measurement challenges and the need for better collaboration and centralisation at European and international level.
  For investigators planning independent clinical trials of repurposed medicines, this article can help to:
• Understand the strengths and limitations of grants, crowdfunding, public private partnerships and social impact bonds for health research funding.
• Identify when newer mechanisms might complement traditional grants, especially in areas with limited commercial interest but high patient need.
• Anticipate practical barriers (e.g. expertise, administrative complexity, outcome metrics) when considering innovative funding models.