RePo-SUDOE: Building a Cross-Border Network to Boost Drug Repurposing Research in Southern Europe

What is it about?

This paper presents the RePo-SUDOE project, a transnational initiative uniting Portugal, Spain, and France to strengthen research and innovation in drug repurposing — the process of finding new medical uses for existing drugs. The project establishes a collaborative network of universities, research centers, and companies to accelerate therapeutic discovery, particularly in oncology. Key goals include developing shared digital platforms, open-access databases, and immersive 3D visualization tools that allow researchers and students to explore drug–target interactions through virtual and augmented reality. RePo-SUDOE also aims to enhance public awareness and educational engagement in biomedical science across the SUDOE region.

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Photo by Creatvise on Unsplash

Photo by Creatvise on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Drug repurposing offers a faster, safer, and more cost-effective path to new treatments, especially for complex diseases like cancer. However, the SUDOE region (Southern France, Spain, and Portugal) has historically contributed less to global efforts in this field. RePo-SUDOE is timely and unique because it bridges that gap through cross-border cooperation, shared technology, and knowledge transfer between regions with different research capacities. The initiative not only strengthens scientific competitiveness but also promotes equity, education, and territorial balance in European health innovation.

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