ABSTRACT:
Repurposing refers to the study of drugs which is already approved to treat one disease for the treatment of other diseases. Aspirin (ASA) is widely used for the treatment of pain, fever or inflammation. It has been repurposed against cardiovascular disorders. In recent years ASA has generated a significant interest for prevention of cancer, central nervous system disorder, diabetes and cryptococcal infection due to its influence on COX dependent and COX independent mechanism. Following oral administration ASA is rapidly hydrolyzed to salicylic acid (SA). Since SA has selective ability to inhibit COX-2, its application for repurposing is limited. Besides, ASA is more potent due to its capacity for irreversible inhibition of COX. Thus for repurposing it is desirable to ensure adequate availability of ASA at site of action. This is a challenge as issues related to solubility, stability and toxicity needs to be simultaneously addressed while repurposing.