Drug development from marine natural products
Tadeusz F Molinski1, Doralyn S Dalisay, Sarah L Lievens
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, California 92093, USA. tmolinski@ucsd.edu
Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery
|December 20, 2008
Summary
Marine natural products are revolutionizing drug discovery, leading to approved pain and cancer treatments. This review explores their history, challenges, and future potential for new medicines.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Marine natural products have a rich history in drug discovery.
- Recent years have seen a resurgence in interest and success.
- Examples include Ziconotide for pain and Trabectedin for cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history of marine natural product drug discovery.
- To examine factors contributing to new discoveries.
- To discuss challenges in clinical translation and future prospects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of marine natural product drug discovery.
- Analysis of key examples and their development pathways.
- Discussion of scientific and clinical hurdles.
Main Results:
- Marine-derived drugs like Ziconotide and Trabectedin have reached the market.
- Several factors influence successful discovery and development.
- Significant challenges remain in translating marine compounds to clinical use.
Conclusions:
- Marine natural products represent a vital source for novel therapeutics.
- Continued research and technological advances are crucial for future drug development.
- Overcoming clinical translation challenges will unlock greater potential from the sea.
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