The process of drug discovery and development takes decades and costs billions, therefore it is pertinent to consider the clinical ‘off-target’ actions of currently approved agents. The safety profile of these agents is already established and there is experience of specific clinical utility. The investigation of recognised ‘off-target’ actions may provide a more rapid avenue to address ‘non-target’ disease states. Herein the potential of the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors erlotinib and geritinib are considered within the context of diabetes.
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