Anticancer drug discovery from the marine environment

Area of Science:

• Marine natural products (MNPs)
• Drug discovery and development
• Cancer therapy

Background:

• Marine organisms are a rich source of novel compounds with therapeutic potential.
• Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality, driving the need for new treatments.
• Marine-derived drugs have shown success in clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the characteristics and selectivity profiles of marine natural products for cancer therapy.
• To provide a reference for new marine-derived drugs in development and on the market.
• To highlight marine natural products disclosed in patent applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of marine natural products in cancer therapy.
• Analysis of approved drugs and compounds in preclinical and clinical trials.
• Examination of patent applications for marine-derived anti-cancer agents.

Main Results:

• Two marine-derived drugs (Cytarabine, Eribulin) are FDA/EMA approved; Trabectedin is nearing US approval.
• 118 marine natural products are in preclinical trials, 22 in clinical trials, and 3 are marketed.
• Focus on drug characteristics, selectivity, and patent landscape.

Conclusions:

• Marine natural products represent a vital and expanding resource for novel cancer therapeutics.
• Ongoing research and development are yielding promising drug candidates.
• Understanding drug profiles is crucial for advancing marine-based cancer treatments.