Fig. 2. iPSCs in drug repurposing.

a | Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), derived from healthy donors or donors carrying genetic variants that predispose them to cardiovascular disease, are directed to differentiate into cardiovascular cell types with the use of protocols that mimic mechanisms of early development. Depending on the presence of gene variants and/or the culture conditions, the differentiated derivative cells can display phenotypes that are consistent with a genetic or acquired disease. b | These iPSC models are used to screen drug repurposing candidates, resulting in the identification of drugs for preclinical and clinical testing. c | If the drug candidates have remediable limitations for their new indication, they can be refined through iterative cycles of medicinal chemical optimization and in vitro testing, aided by iPSC-based assays.