Chicago Bets on Old Drugs for New Cures in Landmark Trials

CHICAGO, IL – April 09, 2026 – In a significant boost for medical innovation, Chicago is becoming a central stage for a series of groundbreaking clinical trials aimed at finding new uses for existing, approved drugs. The global nonprofit Cures Within Reach (CWR) announced it has approved funding for five new trials at the city’s leading research institutions, targeting a range of unsolved diseases from Parkinson's to pediatric food allergies and PTSD.

This initiative champions a strategy known as drug repurposing—a faster, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional drug development. By leveraging therapies already proven safe for human use, researchers can bypass years of preliminary testing and millions in costs, accelerating the journey from lab bench to patient bedside. The newly funded Chicago trials specifically focus on critical areas, including veterans' health, pediatrics, and health equity, positioning the city at the forefront of this pragmatic medical revolution.

The Repurposing Revolution in Practice

The core mission of Cures Within Reach is to unlock the hidden potential within our global medicine cabinet. The five Chicago-based trials embody this philosophy, each tackling a pressing medical need with an innovative approach:

• Improving Mobility for Veterans with Parkinson's: At Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and CARES, a trial will test a wearable leg stimulation device to enhance mobility for veterans battling the progressive neurodegenerative disorder. For patients facing tremors, rigidity, and balance issues, this non-invasive technology could restore a critical degree of independence.

• Preventing Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions in Children: Lurie Children’s Hospital will lead an investigation into Zileuton, a drug traditionally used for asthma, to prevent anaphylaxis from food allergies in pediatric patients. For countless families living with the constant fear of a severe allergic reaction, a preventative therapy would be life-changing.

• A New Approach to PTSD: Researchers at the University of Chicago will explore whether a common ADHD medication can effectively treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in veterans and survivors of violence. PTSD can be a debilitating condition, and new therapeutic avenues are desperately needed for those who do not respond to existing treatments.

• Combating a Complication of Transplants: Another University of Chicago trial aims to use a chemotherapy drug to reduce the incidence of post-transplant diabetes, a serious complication that can hinder recovery for organ recipients.

• Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy: A third trial at the University of Chicago will test if adding Lactulose, a common synthetic sugar, can improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for cancer patients, potentially boosting survival rates for one of the world's deadliest diseases.

"Our mission is to leverage the speed, safety and cost-effectiveness of testing approved therapies for unsolved diseases," said Barbara Goodman, President & CEO of Cures Within Reach. The organization's model provides crucial seed funding to de-risk these innovative trials, making them more attractive for larger follow-on investments and paving the way for regulatory approval or widespread off-label use by physicians.

A Lifeline for the Next Generation of Scientists

Beyond the immediate patient impact, this initiative represents a strategic investment in the future of medical research itself. A key focus of the funding is on supporting early-stage investigators (ESIs)—talented researchers who have completed their advanced degrees or residencies within the last ten years. These individuals are often the source of novel ideas but are also the most vulnerable to fluctuations in research funding.

The press release notes that this support is intentionally timed to counteract the negative impact of recent "2025 cuts in medical research funding." While federal budgets can be unpredictable, such cuts often disproportionately affect emerging scientists competing for a shrinking pool of grants. By stepping into this gap, CWR and its partners are ensuring that a new generation of medical pioneers has the resources to pursue high-risk, high-reward projects.

"Funding for research is difficult to obtain in the best of times," Goodman noted, emphasizing that the increased investment in Chicago aims to "find new treatments for diseases that can quickly reach the patients who need solutions."

This approach has a proven track record. In 2009, CWR funded a trial by a then-ESI, Dr. Scott Eggener, at the University of Chicago. That project repurposed a laser device to treat prostate cancer, a concept that has since evolved into a world-leading treatment known as focal therapy, offering vastly improved outcomes for patients. This success story serves as a powerful testament to the value of investing in young researchers and their innovative ideas.

Chicago as a Hub for Community-Focused Innovation

The concentration of these five trials solidifies Chicago’s status as a burgeoning hub for impactful medical research. The partnership between CWR, local philanthropic leaders like the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, and premier research institutions demonstrates a powerful, community-focused model for tackling public health challenges.

In just a few years, CWR has dramatically scaled its Chicago operations, growing from funding roughly one trial per year to four or five annually. This expansion reflects a deep confidence in the city’s research ecosystem and a commitment to addressing the specific needs of its diverse populations, particularly veterans and children.

"We’re very excited about the impact Cures Within Reach’s approach can have on transforming not only biomedical research but also patient’s lives,” said Nydia Searle, a consultant to the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust. “Cures Within Reach is enormously productive – they have the network, the pipeline, and the expertise to drive clinical results globally.”

This collaborative effort ensures that cutting-edge science is directly connected to tangible community benefits. By focusing on conditions that affect local populations, the initiative is not just advancing medicine but also strengthening the city's health frontline.

The Broader Impact of Finding Cures Within Reach

While the current focus is on Chicago, these trials are part of a much larger global strategy. CWR's portfolio currently includes 52 funded trials across 39 institutions in 12 countries, targeting 33 different diseases. The success of drug repurposing extends far beyond this portfolio, with historical examples including the repurposing of Thalidomide for multiple myeloma and the use of a generic tuberculosis vaccine to treat Type 1 Diabetes.

Looking ahead, the organization is embracing technology to further accelerate its mission, including validating AI-driven predictions for new drug-disease pairings. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the search for new cures continues to evolve, tapping into every available tool.

Ultimately, this wave of new trials in Chicago is more than just a series of scientific experiments; it is a powerful demonstration of a paradigm shift in medical innovation. It proves that some of the most profound answers to today's unsolved diseases may already be within reach, waiting on pharmacy shelves to be discovered.