[cyberax]

> Well there’s your problem: no one can make money off of it

You can patent new applications of an existing drug. This has been somewhat of a problem, as companies can just look at how drugs are being used off-label, and patent some of these uses.

[missedthecue]

People are doing this with vetinary drugs too. A company called Tarsus Pharmaceuticals recently developed a drug called xdemvy by repurposing an anti-flea drug for dogs. It basically cures an eyelid condition called demodex blepharitis. They're a $2b company now.

They barely had to do any new science. It just took some creativity and almost $250m worth of clinical trials.